The Cost of Time
by Steve Fredricks
At the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in January, we presented an analysis of the volume of older-vintage bulk wine sitting on the market with no clear path to a sale. The warning signs to sellers were evident and we have been consistently describing the challenges to clients, but the general hope was that strategic pricing and patience might correct their imbalance. Over the course of this year, we have marketed this wine to negociants and wineries who, in turn, have considered opportunities to use it at very aggressive prices, however, nearly eight months later, that hope is running into the striking clarity of the market—there is simply no interest. The industry remains heavily weighed down by older bulk wine inventory that has no viable market use. Growers and wineries are spending precious time trying to sell this older vintage wine to mitigate damage when time and energy should be on growing consumer demand at sustainable pricing. The longer the industry is weighed down by this inventory the longer the recovery will take.
In This Issue
Bulk Market 3
Grape Market 4
North Coast 4
Central Coast 5
San Joaquin Valley 5
Strategic Recommendations 5
2025 Crop Contest Results 7
Market Opportunities 9