If the new bill passes, underage students pursuing a viticulture degree at Napa Valley College may be able to taste the fruits of their labor.
Currently, the legal drinking age for alcoholic beverages in the United States is 21 years old, so students studying winemaking or brewing have not been able to taste the products of their labor until now.
According to a report from napavalleyregister.com, Assembly Bill 1989, proposed by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro, would allow students over the age of 18 to taste alcoholic beverages.
Instructor Bryan noted that the Viticulture and Winery Technology Program in Napa Valley will provide students with a 1 or 2-year Associate of Science degree in winemaking, but currently there are 8 students under the age of 21 who are at a disadvantage.
Opponents of the measure argue that it will become an excuse for students to drink and become intoxicated.
Since 2008, Avila has been teaching winemaking courses at Napa Valley College and stated that no students have ever been intoxicated during class, emphasizing that the course teaches students to view alcohol from a completely different perspective.
Each year, approximately 250 individuals study in this program, many of whom work in the winery or hospitality industry.
Next week, the committee is expected to hold a hearing on the modified measure.