We represent a number of California wineries in both Northern and Southern California and are well versed in various Federal, State and Local laws affecting alcohol producers.  Newcomb Law Group is a full service business law firm and can assist your winery with:

Winery Formation

Choosing the right business entity (e.g. corporation or limited liability company), can have significant impacts as your winery grows.  We can help you understand and properly plan for continuity of control issues, management, limited liability, sharing of profits and losses, and taxation issues.

Trademark Registration and Protection

The protection of valuable intellectual property, including trademarks, is vital in maximizing the value of a winery's assets.  Our lawyers understand the nuances of protecting your trademarks and assist clients with registration of trademarks and service marks at the state, federal and international level.

Financing and Private Placements

Both wineries and vineyards need to be properly financed in order to maximize profits.  With the tightening of the lending markets, new wineries are more frequently considering non-lender based financing options.  We are experienced in guiding our clients through the numerous financing options and presenting solutions meet the immediate goals and allow future flexibility.

State Licensing and Federal Permitting/Bonding

Our attorneys can assist you and your consultants in preparing your original and transfer documents or responding to issues, which include obtaining your TTB permit and bond and obtaining California ABC approval for Type 02 or Type 17/20 licenses.

Alternating Proprietorship Agreements and Custom Crush Agreements

Wineries looking to minimize their investments in equipment and facilities often will enter into relationships with other wineries to share facilities.  We are very familiar with the nuances of drafting alternating proprietorship agreements and custom crush arrangements.

Acquisitions and Sales and Land and Wineries

Having attorneys that understand agricultural and the wine industry is crucial in maximizing value, whether you are purchasing or selling.  Our experience in the day-to-day operations of wineries and vineyards is unparalleled.

Agreements

Vineyard management agreements, vendor contracts and disputes, partnership agreements are just some of the areas that we can assist your winery and brewery.

Winery Succession and Estate Planning

An area often overlooked by winery owners is succession and estate planning.  Our advanced strategies allow you to retain control, while ensuring estate taxes are minimized.

We can also help retailers, breweries and other licensees.