No more ‘Port’ labels for these Napa wineries

Entire regions of wine producers sometimes have to adapt to new changes, as is the case with a trio of Napa-based companies. The Drinks Business reports that these organizations are trying to reduce “consumer confusion” by acknowledging the official rights to the name, which apply to the Portuguese Porto area.

This is similar to the disputes that can arise over the designation of “Champagne,” a classification that depends on several factors, including wine labels. While both Champagne and Port are specific styles of beverage that denote a particular region of Europe, companies in other parts of the world could be fair toward this standard by using phrases like “Champagne Style” or “Dessert Wine” when the official names aren’t appropriate.

Three Napa wineries have decided not to use the term “Port.”

According to the source, Emma Swain of the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV’s) praised the effort, citing the importance of proper practices among wine businesses. These three houses are going to voluntarily cease using the term “port’ on their beverages, even though they are technically within their legal rights to do so.

“If we’re asking other regions to respect our name, we’ve got to walk the talk,” Swain said. “We applaud these three member wineries for doing the right thing and we encourage other vintners to follow suit.” The wineries in question are Boyd Family Vineyards, Freemark Abbey and Jessup Cellars, all of which support the NVV’s attention to detail when it comes to place names.

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