TRUTH-IN-LABELING UP TO GOV. ARNOLD

Should a “truth-in-labeling” law apply to Sonoma too? Based on a 2000 law pushed by growers to protect the “Napa” name, Sonoma advocates have proposed a similar law that would prevent vintners from putting “Sonoma” on a wine label unless 75% of the wine is made from Sonoma grapes. The California legislature overwhelmingly approved the bill last week and is currently awaiting a signature from Gov. Schwarzenegger.

However, the measure meets with a varying array of disapproval from such big names as the Wine Institute, E&J Gallo, F. Korbel & Brothers who would be kept from producing wines that use grapes outside Sonoma County. Such institutions as the Family Winemakers of California, however, are in favor of the bill.