PRACTICES
WINE
LAW
DP&F has a long history of advising vineyard and winery owners in all aspects of wine law, including vineyard and winery acquisitions; land use planning, grape purchase agreements and vineyard leases; state and federal licensing; distribution and export agreements; and intellectual property protection. In addition, DP&F attorneys have successfully represented a number of organizations seeking AVA designation, and most recently helped Paso Robles winegrowers with their petition for eleven new sub-AVAs.
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Our attorneys understand the complex legal and regulatory hurdles facing the wine industry and are dedicated to our clients’ continued growth and success. In addition, our wine law practice is not limited to members of the wine industry in the United States, and we have represented multiple non-U.S. wineries in acquisitions, trademark disputes, and wine law related litigation.
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Representation of numerous wineries in obtaining federal and state permits and licenses, trademark protection, distribution and export agreements.
Represented Accolade Wines North America, Inc. in its acquisition of Geyser Peak, Atlas Peak and XYZin brands and inventory from Ascentia Wine Estate, LLC.
Successfully petitioned for establishment of American Viticultural Areas to Alcohol, Tobacco, Tax & Trade Bureau, including representation of comprehensive appellation system for the Paso Robles wine region encompassing eleven sub-appellations nested within the greater Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA).
Represent Napa Valley Vintners in worldwide protection of the Napa name, including development and execution of an international protection strategy for the Napa Valley geographical indication.
In coordination with European counsel, represented U.S. wine trade association in acquiring first registration of non-European geographical indication for wine issued by the European Commission; manages worldwide policing and protection for such geographical indication.
Obtained registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on behalf of Lodi Winegrape Commission for geographical certification mark for LODI RULES for wine and wine grapes produced within the Lodi appellation pursuant to sustainable farming practices established by the Commission.
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08/28/26
From Vine to Stand: How SB 917 Expands Farmers’ Market Access for All Winemakers
06/16/26
Grape Grower Alternatives to Collecting on Winery Debt: CDFA Market Enforcement Branch
06/09/26
Glassy-Winged Sharpshooters and California’s Pierce’s Disease Control Program
04/20/26
Barrel Leasing Company H&A Seeks Protection from French Commercial Court: What U.S. and California Wineries Should Know
03/04/26
USDA Financial Assistance Available for Eligible Grape Growers
02/26/26
Alcohol Beverage Importers Continue to Navigate Uncertainty Despite Supreme Court Decision on IEEPA Tariffs
01/07/26
Importers Eagerly Await Supreme Court Decision on IEEPA Tariffs and Potential Tariff Refunds
08/08/25
Napa County Releases Draft Regional Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, Comments Due September 30, 2025
05/12/25
FTC Click-to-Cancel Rule Set to Go Into Effect May 14, 2025, Delayed 60 Days
10/23/23
Updates to Products Subject To California's Bottle Bill
05/16/23
Effective January 1, 2024, CA Wineries and Distilleries Will Have Reporting and Payment Obligations to CalRecycle Under the Bottle Bill
03/14/22
TTB Approves San Luis Obispo Coast (SLO Coast) Viticultural Area
02/25/22
John Trinidad Article Cited in U.S. Treasury Report
09/24/21
New Laws Expand Winery Off-Site Tasting Room Privileges and Manufacturer Charitable Donation Advertising
09/17/21
Richard Mendelson and John Trinidad Co-Author Chapter for "La vigne, le vin et le droit/Du local au global: Mélanges en l’honneur de Robert Tinlot"