Cosentino Gets Brief CDFA License Suspension

Cosentino Signature Enterprises LLC has had its processor’s license suspended for three months for failing to pay winegrape growers for fruit purchased from the 2008 vintage. The suspension begins March 1. The company, which owns Cosentino Winery among other brands, will not legally be able to purchase grapes until the end of May.

Agatha D’Esterhazy, MEB Branch Chief told Wine Industry Insight that Cosentino’s progress in making grower payments will be reviewed at the end of the suspension.

CDFA MARKET ENFORCEMENT BRANCH FILED CHARGES IN MAY 2009

The Market Enforcement Branch (MEB) of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) filed an accusation against Cosentino on May 23, 2009 after complaints of non-payment by 40 growers totaling more than $1.6 million, according to the written decision ($ VIP subscriber content) by Administrative Law Judge Perry O. Johnson .

Johnson presided over hearings on Aug.31, 2009 (WII coverage) and Nov. 10, 2009 (WII coverage) and rendered his decision Dec. 14. His decision was approved by the CDFA on Feb. 4 and sent to Cosentino Feb. 17.

Carpenter Ranch, the largest grower among those who complained, has filed its own separate lawsuit to recover more than $500,000 owed.

VIP Subscribers click here to read the complete, un-redacted article.

Also In This Article:

• JUDGE SAYS “REVOCATION WARRANTED” BUT EFFORTS TO PAY GROWERS MADE SENTENCE LIGHTER

• 2007 MEB PROBATION FULFILLED, NOT RELEVANT IN THIS PROCEEDING

---

Not A Subscriber Yet?

Subscribe now, and get the rest of this article

and everything else in every article on the site every day, including the Data Cellar for just$9.99 per month or

$115.88 per year. Click here for more details.