West Coast Wine Compliance

VinoStart was designed for those who are ready to start a wine business but do not have the licensing knowlege or time to complete the tasks. It is a program for custom crush, alternating proprietorships, and any new winemaker or winery. We are a boutique compliance biz helping artisans and entrepreneurs in the wine industry. If you have your business plan completed, and your storage and logistics in place, email westcoastwinecompliance@gmail.com for VinoStart forms!

The founder of WCWC, Diane Bergeon, worked in a legal and corporate governance environment for several years handling mandatory forms and procedures. Diane has been involved directly in winemaking and sales as she developed her own wine brand from the ground up. In addition, Diane strives to give you direct feedback and reliable professional customer service, and she is the founder of VinoStart!

You may be wondering what a boutique compliance biz is and how we are different than other compliance service companies. We are a small business in Napa Valley wine country able to serve you in a personable, flexible and professional manner with 15 years legal compliance experience. We can do a one-time project service fee, a monthly fee, quarterly fee or custom fee based on your needs. We do not charge extra, unnecessary or hidden fees.

Start your wine business today with VinoStart, a program for wine artisans. Let us do the paperwork and fill out all of the necessary forms to start your new venture so you can focus on your grapes and winemaking.

Keep in mind it takes time to process all applications if you are thinking about selling a new wine label. Processing times for state and federal applications can take a minimum of 90 days for approval, but usually takes longer such as 6 months for documentation review by state and federal agents. The best strategy is to remain organized and detailed during and after the licensing application process. While you wait for your application(s) to be approved, you can spend that time on your winemaking, marketing and sales plans.

VinoStart Program for a California Bonded Winery or Alternating Proprietor or Wholesaler consists of ABC State License, Trade Name Searches, Business Formation, IRS Application, dba filings, CA Licensing, Federal Permit applications, CA Sales Tax Permit. This program is for Type 02 or Type 17/20 or Type 09/17/20.

Business Formation licensing: this service can be added and is an optional service to form your LLC or Corporation, including Operating Agreement/Bylaws and EIN.

Type 85 Online Retailer licensing: this is a very limited type of license but could be a great option if your business model is specifically online only to the consumer. Fees quoted at time of request.

For multiple winemakers involved in a custom crush winemaking program, or a group of winemakers making wine at the same winery facility, special pricing can be evaluated.

***State filing fees are not included in our service fee.  These fees are separate and paid directly to the state agencies.  Filing and notary fees for state and/or county are not included in our service fee. 

We understand the costs that go into starting a new winery or wine business, which is why we keep our fees very reasonable with no added fees. A deposit is required prior to work assignments.

Throughout the startup process until all documents are approved by state and federal agencies, we will communicate with you and the agencies, obtain and submit required information and give you final papers to maintain a state wine permit and license.

*West Coast Wine Compliance is not an attorney service and cannot give legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for advice.

To get started with a service or to find out more, please fill out the form below!