El Dorado County, Calif. — A new state law could soon have wine grape growers across California — including in foothill regions like El Dorado County — facing fines for failing to maintain their vineyards.
Assembly Bill 732, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom and taking effect in 2026, authorizes county agricultural commissioners to assess civil penalties ranging from $500 to $1,000 per acre on grapevine acreage that is judged to be grossly neglected and creating a public nuisance.
The move is aimed at protecting working vineyards and neighboring farms from the spread of pests and disease, which can thrive in unmowed rows and unmanaged vines left fallow as growers struggle with rising costs and sagging demand for wine grapes.
“We’ve seen a lot of vineyard acreage come out,” said Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner Andrew Smith, describing the tough decisions facing growers in major wine regions. “For other remaining acreage, vineyard managers and property owners are evaluating, ‘Do we replant, do we try to park this? What can we do to maintain it so that we can hit ‘go’ again if the market recovers?’”
Smith noted that some complaints lodged with his office cite abandoned vineyards or orchard blocks, prompting the need for a new enforcement tool.
The law places emphasis on ensuring landowners make good-faith efforts to manage their vines; penalties may increase if a county determines there hasn’t been a sincere attempt at maintenance.
Local Impact and Industry Context
California’s wine industry, historically a major agricultural engine statewide, has faced persistent economic pressures, including declining grape prices and reduced purchasing from large buyers. That has led some growers to consider ripping out old vines or letting them fall into disuse — actions that, under the new law, could trigger county enforcement actions.
For El Dorado County, where smaller vineyards and boutique wineries contribute to the local agritourism economy, the rule raises questions about balancing enforcement with economic viability. County Agricultural Commissioner’s office officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Some growers have expressed concern that stricter enforcement could further pressure small operators already contending with ongoing challenges, including labor costs and water availability.
What Comes Next
Counties now must develop guidelines and inspection processes to implement AB 732 enforcement, including how inspectors determine when a vineyard is sufficiently neglected to warrant a fine.
State agricultural leaders and local farm bureaus are expected to issue outreach and compliance guidance in coming months, with 2026 being the first full year of enforcement possible.
