Thank you for joining the California Distillers Association!

The CDA is a collective voice for California's craft distilling industry, and your membership is essential not just for the financial resources needed to fight for meaningful change, but also to demonstrate to policymakers that we speak with strength and unity. With the challenges our industry faces, it’s more important than ever that we show lawmakers in Sacramento that we are not a fragmented industry, but a united front fighting for growth and sustainability.

As a member, your dues directly fund lobbying efforts that shape the future of our industry. Every dollar helps amplify our voice and makes it clear that we have the collective support of our entire industry—the more members we have, the louder we become.

Accomplishments in 2024: Your Membership at Work
In 2024, we made significant strides, thanks to your support:

Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) Shipping Extension: We successfully extended the ability for distilleries to ship spirits directly to consumers, which is now in effect until December 31, 2025. This is a huge win for distilleries looking to expand their market reach.
Specialty Crop Grant: We applied for a $465K specialty crop grant to help market California-made spirits crafted from California-grown ingredients. The application passed the first round, and we should hear whether we have made it to the final stage soon. This could unlock a significant opportunity for our industry to showcase our unique local products.

The CDA and it's actions are a representation of our membership. We ask that you make your voice and concerns heard and help shape the future of the industry. DSPs: Please fill out the 2024-2025 Membership Questionnaire: CLICK HERE.

What’s Next in 2025? Our Roadmap for Success
Our work for 2025 has already begun. We have had preliminary meetings with lawmakers and key legislative consultants to lay the groundwork for even more impactful initiatives. In response your response from our industry survey, we are focusing on improving distillers’ paths to market in several key areas:

Make DtC Shipping Permanent: We are working to make permanent the ability for distilleries to ship up to 5,000 cases (9L) annually directly to consumers. New this year: We’re aiming to include a provision that will allow distilleries to self-distribute the same quantity to retail opening new revenue streams for CA .
Increase Tasting Room Sales Limits: We are advocating to increase the tasting room sales limit from 2.25L to 4.5L per adult per day, which will help distilleries better capitalize on in-person visits, create clubs, and boost sales.
Allow Satellite Tasting Rooms: This would enable distilleries to expand their reach by opening additional tasting room locations in other regions of the state, increasing visibility and accessibility for customers.

These are the key areas of consensus identified in our recent survey of California distilleries. We believe they will have a direct, positive impact on your business, and we are committed to making them a reality in 2025.

Questions? Need more info?
Reach out to any of our CDA Board of Directors:

2025-2026 Membership