The surplus of winegrapes in California appears to be over. Due to drought, frost, spring winds and heat spells, the 2008 winegrape crop is estimated to be smaller than 2007's statewide. I expect the 2008 crop will come in below 3 million tons--significantly lower than the 3.4 million tons estimated by California Agricultural Statistic Service. This drop should complete the market-balancing trend needed since the bumper crop of 2005. The crop size can be categorized as a below-average crop overall, with the interior regions producing slightly below average, and the coastal regions producing well below average.

CONTACT OUR EDITORIAL STAFF »