Growers face decision time; inventory scrutinized by vintage

California’s growing areas experienced typical warm, dry weather in June. Vineyard conditions are generally good and the growing cycle appears to be largely adhering to a normal timetable. Growers are facing decision time as to what to do with their uncontracted vineyards: Continue farming them, or mothball? The latter option has been in widespread evidence and will place a ceiling on the tonnage that crosses the scales this harvest, regardless of conditions.

This month we set out our tentative crop-size expectations and – in relation to some varietals – we ask: “Will there be enough recent-vintage bulk supply if/when case-good sales stabilize (or even fall less dramatically)?” June’s grape and bulk market activity is assessed; while the grape market remains very slow, one region has experienced a – slight – uptick in bulk demand over the past two weeks.

This month’s report also digs down into the bulk inventory listed with Ciatti to identify wines that may be in shorter supply than widely perceived, analyzes the inventory not only by total size and by varietal but also vintage (one vintage in particular), and relays some fresh wholesaler depletion data that SipSource – of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America – has shared with us.

To view all this, plus our updated bulk/grape market activity barometer and Saxco Update on beverage packaging, paying subscribers can read the full Ciatti California Report for July on Substack.

If you are not yet a paying subscriber and would like access to the full report, including –

• actionable bulk wine and grape market intelligence;
• our latest bulk inventory charts by volume and by varietal;
• our bulk/grape market activity barometer;
• the latest vineyard update;
• Saxco beverage packaging update;

– you can upgrade your subscription by clicking here.

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