Harvest is early: What is the industry's response?
On June 30th, grapes for sparkling wine were picked in Santa Barbara County, the earliest anyone can remember. This month’s California Report details by region the extent to which the growing timetable is in advance, the very latest on vineyard health and yield potential, and how the bulk wine and grape markets have reacted.
With vine development advanced, the time is rapidly approaching when growers still possessing uncontracted grapes must make some difficult decisions: To continue farming those grapes? To custom crush? This month’s report details what we have been seeing in terms of what farming practices are required to help close grape deals, and provides advice on custom crushing.
The accelerated timing is also pressurizing bulk wine suppliers into finding homes for their wine in order to make tank space for the new crush, although some suppliers are willing to hold onto their inventory in the belief that, if the crop is lighter, the value of that inventory may rise. We set out some new bulk-market developments that need to be taken into account when making such a decision, and update our bulk inventory charts by volume and by varietal.
The industry is facing a critical challenge: The “new normal” level for wine demand remains unknown. Until case-good sales stabilize, long-term planning for supply and investment will be difficult, leading to a focus on immediate survival rather than future growth. As ever, SipSource provides insight into the latest wholesaler depletion volumes, while this month’s Saxco Update describes the growing shift towards lightweight bottles – and lightweight packaging in general – in an attempt to reduce freight costs.
Read the full Ciatti California Report for July
Bulk wine suppliers are invited to list their 2025 wines with us and send in samples, and ensure they have their 2024 wines on our inventory list, so we are able to harness buyer interest as it arises.
Grape growers are recommended to inform us of the grapes they may have available next year, in 2026, so we can work to match-up suppliers with buyers.
Please contact Mark (+1 415 630 2548 / mark@ciatti.com ), Michael (+1 415 630 2541 / michael@ciatti.com ) or the Ciatti Customer Account Team ( cargroup@ciatti.com ).