The new chairman of the Wine Institute has promised to fight against “punitive” taxes and fees as she seeks to continue the Californian wine industry’s growth.

Carolyn Wente, whose appointment was announced today (16 June), said fighting restrictive trading practises are the institute’s “daily work”. Wente is the CEO of Wente Family Estates and the fifth Wente family member to serve as a chairman of the Wine Institute, which represents Californian wine producers.

Wente was voted in at the Wine Institute’s 80th annual members meeting, alongside other board officers. In 2011, she was elected treasurer.

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