Services and benefits offered by Family Winemakers of California are available to current Regular and Associate members. Following is a description of the services and contact information on how to obtain additional details.

Trade and Consumer Tastings

Wineries often join FWC because the wine tastings for trade in Southern California and trade and consumers in San Francisco are premier marketing events and the largest tastings of California varietals in the world. Over the years many wineries have introduced themselves to the wine trade at FWC’s tastings. Many others regularly attend because it provides a cost effective way to continue business relationships and showcase wine for consumers. Participation in any of the tastings requires a separate table fee and proof of insurance (including liquor liability) that is not part of membership dues.

The 5th San Diego Tasting on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Del Mar Fairgrounds will showcase wine from 200+ wineries for 1,000 trade members and over 1,000 consumers, followed by a trade only day on Sunday, March 10th, 2013.  Both tastings are open to custom crush producers (holders of Type 17 & 20 licenses) because of the law change.  Membership and a separate tasting fee apply.

San Francisco's Tasting 2013 will welcome over 2,500 members of the trade and media for upwards of 300 vintners to showcase their craftsmanship and build brand awareness. This event will take place on August 17-18 at Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion.  Winery registration for the event will start in April 2013. The Tasting is open to custom crush producers (holders of Type 17 & 20 licenses) because of an FWC-sponsored change in state law (AB 323).  Membership and a separate tasting fee apply.

Associate members are eligible to attend the San Francisco and Southern California tastings with the wine trade (restaurateurs, retailers, distributors/brokers and wine media).

Winery Links
FWC members are listed on our web site (www.familywinemakers.org) under their membership category. More importantly, FWC’s redesigned site will allow wineries engaged in direct-to-consumer wine sales to list themselves in all states where they are legally permitted to ship wine. This listing, driven by member input through a password protected Member Page, will appear on the Buying CA Wine consumer map. The map is designed to tell consumers visiting the site if they can have wine shipped to them, and, which wineries are selling in their state.

Winery Insurance
FWC's membership insurance benefit portfolio also includes competitively priced property and casualty winery insurance. Offered to FWC members through the WineAmerica Insurance Program, coverage for owned or leased vineyards can include: building contents, library inventory, trellises, wine leakage, wine market valuation, business interruption, liquor, festival and product liability, chemical drift, automobile liability, workers' compensation and umbrella for the very large to the startup winery including surety bonds. An OSHA compliance evaluation can be scheduled as part of the program; fees are based on the size of the winery. If you are interested in learning more please contact Sue Varnell or Rhonda Harris at 1-800-524-4442 or by email (svarnell@CBIZ.com).

Health Insurance
Through a new partnership with the Association Benefits Solutions (TABS), a unit of GMAC Insurance, FWC is able to offer a stop loss program and can result in premium savings.  Contact GMAC for more information, Jeff.Crumrine@GMACInsurance.com and to start the data request process to generate a quote. 

Membership Information
FWC members have password-protected access to their membership information to provide the association with updated information and during the annual renewal process. This is a new service available through the association’s web site and allows members to receive organization information, participate in grassroots political action on key public policy matters, and drive visitors to FWC’s web site to their own site through the Buying CA Wine consumer map.

Industry News
Timely information about legislative and regulatory changes in California and across the nation, as well as legal and industry updates, are essential to success in the wine industry. FWC regularly sends out membership newsletters -- Friday Wine Chronicle -- and posts information on this website. Members are given the opportunity to choose their preferred method of delivery – email through Constant Contact or fax.

Direct Shipping Compliance
FWC partners with WineCompliancePro for direct-to-consumer tax reporting, state wine sales reporting, direct shipping permit licensing and renewal, and wholesale tax reporting services. For more information on the services and FWC preferred rates please contact Leroy Lucas at 510-388-9449 or by email.

Credit Card Processing
FWC has an association agreement with Elavon (U.S. Bank) for credit card processing services at Interchange plus rates customized for each member.   For more information on the services please email Brandon Trammell or call him at (707) 508-5980.

Political Action Committee
FWC has a political action committee (FWCPAC) to extend our educational reach and assist candidates that share our views. Participation by member wineries will enhance FWC's ability to advocate small producer views. Contributions are voluntary, but strongly encouraged.

Membership Meetings
The Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 via webinar offered an opportunity to get new regulatory and compliance information, and a preview of FWC's small employer health program.  Regional meetings, when held, allow local vintners the opportunity to voice their views on pertinent public policy issues and help shape FWC positions.

FWC is committed to increasing the value of a membership in the organization. Join today. Take advantage of what we offer. Help shape the benefits you want for tomorrow.