California Distillers Association is a 501(c)6 non-profit trade association representing spirits producers and
the California Distilling Industry.

The California Distillers Association (CDA) represents the craft and specialty distilling industry in California. Formed in 2011, CDA is committed to protecting the growth, quality and variety of California’s craft spirits industry.

The mission of CDA is to initiate and advocate public policy that enhances our ability to responsibly produce, promote, and enjoy distilled spirits in California.

CDA is proud to represent the rich and diverse collection of artisans and entrepreneurs that make up the family of California’s distillers.

Advocating for California Distillers

Since 2011

The Golden State’s artisan roots and agricultural bounty provide the perfect foundation for a burgeoning craft spirits culture.

However, The San Francisco Chronicle reports, the real tipping point came in the form of a 2016 Guild sponsored state law, allowing distilleries with tasting rooms to sell bottles directly to consumers.

This created an uptick in distilleries—there are now 190+ registered in California—as well as tasting rooms.

Whether your operation is grain-to-glass, rectifying, or blending, the California Distillers Association represents you.

Our mission is to initiate and advocate public policy that enhances our ability to responsibly produce, promote, and enjoy distilled spirits in California.

We work with the state legislature and the ABC to create opportunities for California distilling industry to grow.

Who We Are

California’s distilling industry has DSPs of all sizes, specialties, and license types. People refer to California as a melting pot, but we like to refer to it more as a cultural cocktail. It’s the people that truly make it one of a kind. We are proud to represent such a diverse and innovative industry.

What We Do

Your membership helps us move the industry ahead by:

  • Providing a single, coherent voice representing the interests of California Distilleries.

  • Pursuing new legislative and regulatory initiatives that address the needs of our members.

  • Monitoring and responding to State-level legislative and regulatory initiatives of others that can adversely impact our members.

  • Being a single touch point for consumers and trade to obtain information about our industry, members, and products.

  • Representing our members and their interests with other State and National Beverage Alcohol Trade Organizations.

  • Hosting relevant educational events.

  • Developing and maintaining positive working relationships with the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.

CRAFT SPIRIT INDUSTRY ON THE RISE

As of July 2022, there were 159 licensed craft distillers in the state, an increase of 113 licensed businesses compared to the same month in 2015, according to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

The number of licensed operations today makes California the largest craft distilling state in the nation.

Between 2011 and 2017, the number of spirits distilleries increased by roughly 35% annually

In 2021, the spirits industry saw its share of the alcoholic beverage market grow for the 12th consecutive year, according to a February report from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Our distilleries have contributed to a vibrant California culture, supporting tourism and local agriculture, while also bolstering state and local economies.

Today, the spirits industry in California supports more than 143,000 jobs, but we are being left behind because of antiquated spirits regulations.

The CDA sponsors legislation that will increase consumer convenience, provide a positive boost for tourism and the hospitality industry, build small businesses and enhance distribution, and continue important responsibility measures to prevent underage access.

“The [temporary Direct-to-Consumer shipping] measure allowed my distillery to keep the lights on, barely, but we have lived with the ever-present knowledge that DTC has not been made permanent and will no longer be allowed without legislative action.

Ryan Friesen, head distiller of Blink Owl Distillery

“The Type 74 license made the craft distillery industry a viable option. Otherwise, if you were looking to get into the wholesale game, you were more than likely looking outside of California in areas where it is much cheaper to operate out of.”

Jason Poole, co-owner of Midtown Spirits

“As state laws for distilleries continue to catch up to the state laws for wineries and breweries, it will encourage more creativity and innovation.”

Dave Smith, head distiller of St. George Distillery

Board of Directors