Gavin Newsom signs bill expanding farmers market opportunities for small wineries

By Staff Report · Sat Aug 29 2026

CALIFORNIA — Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 917, authored by Sen. John Laird, expanding opportunities for small and mid-sized wineries to sell wine and offer instructional tastings at certified farmers markets.

The legislation, sponsored by Family Winemakers of California and the California Association of Winegrape Growers, updates existing rules governing Type 79 farmers market wine permits.

Under previous law, wineries could only sell wine at farmers markets if the wine was made exclusively from “estate-grown” grapes, meaning all grapes used had to be grown on the winery’s property. Supporters said the requirement excluded many small and boutique wineries that source grapes from California growers.

“The passage of SB 917 is a win for California winemakers, grape growers, and consumers alike,” said GinaLisa Tamayo, Board President of Family Winemakers of California. “We thank Senator Laird for his leadership in removing outdated barriers surrounding the farmers market permit. By opening up market access to small and mid-sized family producers, this bill provides a vital economic lifeline – allowing wineries to connect directly with their communities, tell their stories, and grow their businesses.”

Existing law also limited instructional tastings to one Type 79 permit holder per farmers market, regardless of the market’s size or capacity.

SB 917 allows wineries that do not exclusively use estate-grown grapes to sell wine at farmers markets and increases the number of permitted instructional tastings. The changes give market operators more flexibility in determining participation while providing small wineries with additional opportunities to connect directly with consumers.

“California’s wineries are hurting, and SB 917 delivers real relief,” said Laird. “By cutting red tape and opening new markets, we’re giving small producers more opportunities to get their products directly to consumers. I’m grateful the Governor signed this commonsense measure into law and gave California’s small wineries another tool to compete and succeed.”

The legislation is expected to provide additional opportunities for local wineries and encourage consumers to purchase California-produced wine, according to supporters.

SB 917 takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.