Skip to main content

Patricia Howe Wines

Truly Handmade Wines from the Napa Valley
Home  About Us  16019 Sparkling Wines  16019 Pinot noirs  Gold Label Vinegars  Buy  Enological Issues  Contact Us  Nano Wineries   
VWM Articles > VESTA > WBM Articles > TTB Required Analysis > TTB Certification > Winery Sanitation Regs > Winery Sulfur Dioxide Usa >  
 
Sulfur Dioxide Usage in Wineries:
Pesticidal use on empty wine barrels long overdue as separate function from wine additive.
(from 2009)
Many California wineries are getting a crash course in governmental confusion this year because of a reclassification of sulfur dioxide as a "restricted use pesticide" when used to sanitize barrels or equipment. Suddenly, gas suppliers will not sell the SO2 to a winery unless someone has received the correct pesticide applicator's permit...and most county agriculture departments along with the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation were caught off guard by the effects of this change in classification. Confusion was pretty high for some weeks, and made worse by the rumors, outrage, frustration, and the past experiences the wine industry has had with the regulation of SO2.
In a situation and bureaucracy designed to confuse anyone of even above average intelligence, it has become clear that the use of SO2 to sanitize barrels is treated by the governemnt as a completely different beast than the EXACT same SO2 used as a wine or juice additive. I've summarized my understanding of the current situation here. And if you want to learn more about the controlling legislation, read the FIFRA Federal Insecticide Fungicide Rodenticide Act.