WineAmerica Joins Coalition on Music Licensing

For Immediate Release

September 21, 2015

Washington, D.C. – WineAmerica has joined the MIC Coalition, a multi-industry group dedicated to protecting the music economy. Wineries use music as a marketing tool, and it is a key aspect of agro-tourism. Whether it be music in the tasting room, or a concert in the vineyard, music is an essential part of the experience of visiting a winery.  WineAmerica’s membership showcases the growing and diverse voices of stakeholders across the music marketplace – artists, content owners, users and distributors – seeking policies that ensure that American music consumers benefit from access to music through platforms, venues and innovations of their choice; that music gets heard; and that artists get paid.

“Music is integral in preserving the ambiance of the winery tour and tasting experience,” said Caroline Shaw, WineAmerica Chair and Executive Vice President Jackson Family Wines. “Our members need policies that are understandable and transparent so they can book local singers and songwriters, stream internet radio, and remain an attractive place to enjoy a local wine.”

The MIC Coalition is proud to represent an array of members from across the industry and advocate for the broadest possible distribution of music for the benefit of artists and consumers. Coalition members are committed to a rational, sustainable and transparent system for music use and distribution. WineAmerica is now one of nine different national associations that have united as a powerful voice for balance and transparency in the music world. These associations include the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), Digital Media Association (DiMA), National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the National Council of Chain Restaurants (NCCR), the National Restaurant Association (NRA), and the National Retail Federation (NRF). For more information and a list of members, visit www.mic-coalition.org

Reach out to Michael Kaiser, Director of Public Affairs here at WineAmerica with any questions. mkaiser@nullwineamerica.org

WineAmerica is the national voice the American wine industry. Based in Washington, D.C., WineAmerica represents wineries in 43 states and leads a coalition of state and regional wine and grape associations.  As an industry leader, WineAmerica encourages the dynamic growth and development of American wineries and winegrowing through the advancement and advocacy of sound public policy.