Newsom signs bill allowing more wine sales, tastings at farmers markets

August 28, 2026

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed into law a bill that expands opportunities for small winemakers to sell wine and offer tastings at farmers markets.

Under previous law, winemakers could only sell wine at farmers markets if it was produced exclusively from grapes grown on-site, or “estate-grown” grapes. The rule prevented many small and boutique wineries that source grapes from California growers from selling their wine at farmers markets. Previously, state law also limited instructional tastings to one Type 79 permit holder per farmers market, regardless of market size or capacity.

SB 917, which was authored by Sen. John Laird, whose district includes Northern San Luis Obispo County, allows non-estate wineries to sell wine at farmers markets. The law also expands the number of permitted instructional tastings. 

Laird says the new law provides more equitable access for small producers and gives local market operators greater flexibility to determine participation.

“California’s wineries are hurting, and SB 917 delivers real relief,” Laird said in a statement. “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.”