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NAPA VALLEY VINTNERS JOINS IN DEFENDING GEOGRAPHIC BRAND NAME LAW
1/11/2001 - In the Bronco Wine Company's complaint against the state of California over the new Geographic Brand Name law, the Napa Valley Vintners filed a motion today in the Court of Appeals to intervene in the case. The action was taken because the Board of Directors of the NVV feels the case presents a crucial issue to the wine consuming public and to Napa Valley Vintners - protecting the distinctiveness and integrity of Napa appellation names on wine products and the elimination of misleading uses of those names in wine labeling and advertising.
The NVV decided it needed to be part of the defense of the statute, which says a wine label should not suggest that its grapes come from Napa unless they really do; under the new law, if it doesn't have at least 75 percent Napa wine in the bottle, then wineries can't use the "Napa" name on the label.
The NVV supported the new law during the legislative hearings leading to its enactment, and believes it is a fair and measured approach to protecting what many feel is California's most valuable wine appellation designation, respected and relied upon worldwide.
Although the NVV has retained the San Francisco litigation firm of Keker and Van Nest to represent it in the matter, it expects to work closely with the Attorney General for the State of California in supporting the law, its constitutionality and enforceability.
Any further inquiries should be directed to Henry C. Bunsow of Keker and Van Nest at 415-391-5400. The Napa Valley Vintners is a professional, nonprofit trade organization representing 195 Napa Valley wineries in marketing and promotional activities throughout the United States and abroad. NVV maintains a Website at www.napavintners.com.
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