Wine Institute Promotes Tyler Rudd to Vice President of State Relations

A Pivotal Moment for the Industry, Met with Experienced and Trusted Leadership

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Wine Institute announced the promotion of Tyler Rudd to vice president of State Relations, a role he assumed in April 2026. Rudd, who has served as central states counsel for Wine Institute since June 2016, steps into his new position following the appointment of Steve Gross as Wine Institute's interim resident and CEO.

The promotion comes at a pivotal time for California's wine industry. Wine Institute's advocacy spans state, federal and international levels, with dedicated teams working across each front. Rudd's State Relations team focuses on the 49 states outside of California - a vast and varied landscape of legislatures, regulatory agencies and policy environments that directly shape the ability of California wineries to operate and compete in markets across the country.

"Tyler has been an exceptional leader and advocate for California wine across some of the most complex and consequential state markets in the country. His deep knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process, combined with his ability to build relationships and inspire the teams around him, makes him exactly the right person to lead our state relations efforts at this critical moment. We are fortunate to have him, and I have every confidence that our members and the broader wine community will be well served under his leadership."

- Steve Gross, interim president and CEO, Wine Institute

In his new role, Rudd will oversee the activities of Wine Institute's five State Relations regional counsels and directors as they address state legislation affecting the wine industry. He will also coordinate Wine Institute's legislative and regulatory activities with staff, contract lobbyists and member wineries across the 49 states outside of California. Rudd's team serves as an indispensable resource for Wine Institute member wineries navigating the distinct and ever-shifting policy environment in each state market by tracking legislation, building relationships with regulatory agencies and helping wineries understand what the changing landscape means for their business.

"I am honored and humbled to step into this role at such an important time for the wine community. The challenges ahead are real, but so is the talent and dedication of this team. My goal is to ensure that every Wine Institute member feels the impact of our work - whether that's helping a winery navigate a new distribution law, understanding a shifting regulatory environment in a key market or ensuring their voice is heard in state capitals across the country."

- Tyler Rudd, vice president of State Relations, Wine Institute

Rudd joined Wine Institute in 2016 after nearly two decades of experience in Texas contract lobbying and international law. He holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin, a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and a master of laws in international finance from University College London, where he graduated with merits. Early in his career, Rudd worked in the Texas State capitol for then-Secretary of State Antonio Garza and for State Representative Bill Seibert. He later practiced international asset and project finance law with global firms in London before returning to Austin to build his lobbying practice.

Outside of his professional work, Rudd is an active supporter of several nonprofit organizations, including Hand to Hold, The Collins 8 Foundation, Heroes for Children, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and CASA of Travis County.

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About Wine Institute

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of nearly 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine.