Wine Institute Secures Critical USDA Funding to Drive Export Growth for U.S. Wines

Wine Institute Applauds USDA for its Continued Commitment to Value-Added Ag Exports

SACRAMENTO,Calif.- Wine Institute today announced it has secured funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) under the America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP)  -  a renewed federal commitment to expanding global markets for American agricultural products. The $6 million in USDA funding will support Wine Institute's California Wine Export Program, powering targeted, sales-focused initiatives across priority international markets at a moment when global demand for California wine represents one of the industry's most significant growth opportunities.

"We thank USDA leadership for their continued commitment to expanding export opportunities for our wineries. American wine has a story worth telling - one of heritage, world-class craftsmanship and a commitment to the land that spans generations. These funds put us in a stronger position to tell that story in the markets that matter most, and we intend to deliver results that prove the investment was well placed."

-  Steve Gross, interim president and CEO of Wine Institute

With approximately 95% of American wineries family-owned or operated, export development remains a cornerstone of the industry's long-term economic strength. California wines are exported to more than 140 countries worldwide, underscoring the global demand and reach of the category. For many of these producers, international sales are not a bonus. They are a foundation that sustains land, livelihoods and multi-generational legacies up and down the state.

"This funding comes at an important time for California wineries as we focus on expanding our global footprint and delivering measurable results in key markets. We are grateful for the strong partnership with FAS, whose continued support enables us to implement targeted, sales-driven programs that directly benefit our wineries. Our priority is to strengthen California wine's position in markets around the world."

-  Honore Comfort, vice president of International Marketing at Wine Institute

 Wine Institute is one of 55 organizations nationwide selected to receive AFTPP funding - a distinction that reflects both the scale of American wine's role in U.S. agricultural exports and the proven track record of this program. For California wine producers competing in markets around the world, sustained federal support is essential to remaining competitive on the world stage. Wine Institute is committed to delivering results that honor that investment and demonstrate the enduring value of California wine to American agriculture and the global marketplace.

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About Wine Institute's California Wine Export Program

A program of Wine Institute, the California Wine Export Program is a public-private partnership supported by winery contributions and the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Market Access Program (MAP). The program features California as an industry leader with distinctive wine regions, an ideal climate for growing world-class wines, an iconic lifestyle and a culinary tradition rooted in locally grown products. In addition to marketing and promoting California wine overseas, the Wine Institute conducts a comprehensive international public policy program focused on regulatory cooperation, removing trade barriers and growing California wine exports. To learn more, visit calwinexport.com.

About Wine Institute

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of nearly 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. Its California Wine Export Program extends that mission globally, driving international market development on behalf of participating members. To learn more, visit wineinstitute.org.