ABC License & TTB Permit Experts for California Wineries

Rogoway Law Group helps wineries, alternating proprietors, and custom crushers navigate California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensing and federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) permits from start to finish — so you can focus on making and selling wine, not paperwork.

Why Winery Clients Choose Rogoway Law Group

At Rogoway Law Group, we focus on the alcohol beverage industry. Our attorneys work with California wineries and wine businesses, guiding them through:

  • Federal TTB basic permits for wineries and wine producers
  • California ABC Types 02 (Winegrower), 03, 09, 17, 20, 85, and related licenses
  • Custom crush, alternating proprietorships, and other commercial agreements
  • Local agency interactions for zoning and land use permits and violations
  • COLA registration with TTB, trademark registration with USPTO, and other  intellectual property protections
  • European grape varietal name registration


Whether you’re launching a new wine business or navigating the complexities of the Dormant Commerce Clause and selling wine direct-to-consumer in various states, our team can help you be compliant and successful.

What We Handle For You

  •  Evaluate your business structure and ownership for TTB compliance
  • Prepare and file the TTB application and related forms
  • Coordinate TTB personnel/background questionnaires for key individuals
  • Respond to TTB follow-up questions and information requests
  •  Advise on the appropriate license type (commonly Type 02 – Winegrower)
  • Prepare and file your ABC license application
  • Address zoning and local approvals that ABC will require
  • Represent you in public hearings, including “public convenience or necessity” showings for over-concentrated areas
  • Handle quota license purchases and transfers where necessary
  •  Coordinate with local planning, building, and health departments
  • Align your corporate and ownership documents with ABC/TTB requirements
  • Provide ongoing compliance support as your business grows

Who We Work With

What Will This Cost?

Navigating the TTB and California ABC licensing process is the first critical step to launching your winery. While many focus only on government fees, the real cost—and risk—lies in the legal complexities. At Rogoway Law, we’re transparent about both government fees and legal fees, and we separate the two clearly.

1. Typical Government Costs

While the exact numbers for your project will depend on your location, production plans, and whether a quota license purchase or public hearing is required, for a new California winery, government and third-party costs often include:

  • TTB application fee (federal basic permit) – typically around $1,000
  • TTB bond premium – often $250–$1,000 per year, depending on tax liability
  • California ABC Type 02 (Winegrower) application fee – currently around $1,200

2. Our Legal Fees

Rather than surprise invoices, we work with you up front to scope the project, provide a clear fee structure, and explain where government costs end and legal fees begin. 

We offer flat fee packages for licensing and permitting. If you are interested, please reach out to 

Basic


Ideal for: Simple ownership structure, non-quota location, client handles local permits.
Includes
  • Corporate formation/document review.
  • Preparation and filing of TTB application.
  • Preparation and filing of ABC application.
  • Standard correspondence with agencies.

Standard


More complex ownership (e.g., multiple investors, foreign owners), location in an over-concentrated area requiring a hearing.
Includes
  • Everything in Basic.
  • Representing client at ABC hearing.
  • Drafting the "Public Convenience/Necessity" argument.
  • Coordinating with local zoning and planning departments.
  • More intensive TTB responses and follow-up.
Popular

Comprehensive


Ideal for: Facilitating the purchase of a quota license, or highly complex financial structures,
Includes
  • Everything in Basic.
  • Drafting and negotiating the Purchase Agreement for the ABC license.
  • Managing the escrow and transfer process for the license.
  • Navigating significant TTB objections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The TTB issues your federal basic permit to produce or blend wine, while the California ABC issues the license that allows you to operate your winery and conduct sales in California. You generally cannot begin operations until both are in place.

Timelines vary depending on agency backlogs, local approvals, and whether a public hearing is required.  ABC, TTB, Local permit different

Ready to Move Your Winery Project Forward?

Whether you’re just sketching out your first winery concept or you’re ready to secure a new license for expansion, Rogoway Law Group can guide you through the TTB and ABC process with clarity and confidence.

Or call us at (707) 526-0420

Serving winery, winegrower, and brand owner clients across California.

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No attorney-client relationship will be formed unless and until Rogoway Law Group and I execute a written fee agreement. I agree that submitting this form or otherwise contacting Rogoway Law Group is not a request for legal advice and that information received in response to any such submission does not constitute legal advice.