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.
San Francisco's Tasting 2008 will welcome over 2,500 members of the trade and media for 400 vintners to showcase their craftsmanship and build brand awareness. This event will take place on August 24-25, 2008 at Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion. In 2003, FWC hosted its first consumer tasting in San Francisco. The consumer-oriented event has been combined with the trade tasting and occurs on the first day of the two-day event. Winery registration for the event will start in April 2008. 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).
The 9th Southern California Trade Tasting on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 in Pasadena will showcase wine from over 300 wineries for 1,200+ trade members. This tasting is open to custom crush producers (holders of Type 17 & 20 licenses) because of the law change. Winery registration is now open; the deadline is February 1, 2008 or until capacity is reached.
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.
Health Insurance FWC’s association health insurance program features discount premiums from Blue Shield, Healthnet and Kaiser. The multiple plan options give qualified employers the flexibility to structure health insurance that meets the needs of employees. Digital Insurance is our partner and the process starts with an online questionnaire. Fill out the form and you'll be contacted.
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 Peter Liesenfelt or Rhonda Harris at 1-800-524-4442 or by email.
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 -- This Week's Update -- and posts information on this website. Members are given the opportunity to choose their preferred method of delivery – email text, email pdf 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 Eva Bedolla at 707-252-4725 or by email.
Wine Shipping Discount shipping of wine and other material is available to FWC members through our exclusive contract with DHL Worldwide Express. DHL ships to legally permissible states, is the leader in international shipping, and has given FWC competitive zone-based discount rates. Two-day air is also available. Contact Joaquin Murrieta, District Sales Manager to start the application process. Make sure you indicate that you are an FWC member.
Credit Card Processing FWC partners with EXS West for credit card processing services at preferred rates. For more information on the services please contact Kraig Speckert at (916) 488-9500 or by email.
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 in Sacramento (January 28, 2008) will offer an opportunity to meet with legislators and gain new insights into wine marketing. The meeting has moved from its tradition slot on Tuesday, to Monday in advance of the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium. This eliminates time conflicts and allows greater participation by members with lawmakers at the evening wine reception. If you come be sure to bring your wine to share. 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.
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