Oregon moves to protect wine from false out-of-state labels

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon pinot noir is so popular that some winemakers elsewhere are making false links to the state's viticultural areas for their own wines, and might be breaking the law, experts testified Monday at a hearing at the Capitol.

Rep. David Gomberg said he noticed this was a problem when he saw wine that was made in California labeled as an Oregon coast pinot noir. That variety of grape is not grown on the Oregon coast, said Gomberg, who represents a coastal district in the Oregon House.

Tom Danowski, chief executive officer of the Oregon Winegrowers Association, urged lawmakers to protect Oregon's $5.6 billion wine industry from false claims.