OLCC recommends California winery lose licenses

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has recommended for a California winery to lose its licenses to distribute wine or do retail business within the state.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports commission executive director Steven Marks sent a letter to the owner of Rutherford, California,-based Copper Cane LLC, saying multiple violations of Oregon labeling regulations were found.

The winery was accused of putting misleading labels on wines to make it appear they were produced in Oregon.

Regulations require labels to list Oregon as only the appellation of origin when the grapes cross into California.

Owner Joe Wagner says new Copper Cane labels will clearly state that the grapes are grown in Oregon and the wines are made in California.

The winery has until Dec. 20 to request a hearing on the commission charges.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com