Family Winemakers of California represents wine industry issues before the California Legislature and applicable state regulatory agencies. Issues that impact small producers drive our focus. Without an active voice and presence in Sacramento other groups will make decisions that influence your ability to succeed as a vintner or grape grower. FWC remains the primary vintner-oriented advocate for inclusiveness on laws, regulations and industry practices for wine producers.
The association also provides marketing assistance to its members through its well-known wine tastings in San Francisco and Pasadena, as well as its web portal for consumers searching for wineries that ship to states that allow direct-to-consumer sales.
Membership Categories Regular Members are licensed California wineries or independently owned vineyards. Small producers, those below 5,000 cases annually, dominate FWC’s membership ranks. The geographical diversity of the membership stretches from Mendocino to Temecula. Holders of Type 17 & 20 licenses that want to join must have an ownership position in a vineyard.
Associate Members are those firms that support or supply the industry (i.e., barrel manufacturers, cork suppliers, etc.).
Membership Information Each member is required to fill out an application form, or update a renewal form, in order to be considered for membership. This information is maintained by Family Winemakers. Every member’s information is available solely to him or her on a password-protected basis through the Members Page on our web site. Members are encouraged to update the information during renewal and as contact information changes.
Annual Dues Membership in 2008 for Regular members is based on $.045 per case sold in the winery’s last fiscal year with a $225 minimum for those selling less than 5,000 cases if joining solely as an FWC member. Dues for the joint membership are based on a graduated scale reflecting gross receipts of the winery. Those dues categories are outlined on the Joint Form. You may fill out the form online or download a pdf version for mailing or faxing. Memberships for 2008 are still being accepted through September 30. After July 1 dues are prorated by 50% (i.e., the $225 minimum would be $112.50).
Applicants may join FWC for 2009 after October 1 at the full annual membership rate. Prepay for 2009 and the last three months of 2008 will be free.
Associate membership dues are based on a graduated scale reflecting sales of the entity in the last fiscal year with the lowest tier starting at $275. Those dues categories are outlined on the Associate Form. You may fill out the form online or download a pdf version for mailing or faxing.
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Become a Member
Become a member and enjoy all the FWC membership benefits today. Please click here to start the application process.
