May 5,2014
Allied Grape Growers report that the Central Coast remains the fastest growing region in the state for wine grape production.The grower sponsored group in a presentation made available online, says grape tonnage in the 2 Central Coast districts increased 8% in 2103,with a three year change of 16% – each the highest increase seen in any part of the state.
The report identities pricing trends in District 7 and 8 with most varieties fetching higher prices in 2013. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon grape prices increased from $931 per ton in 2011,$1030 in 2012 and $1055 in 2013 in District 8 (SLO, SB & Ventura Counties). Also in the same district, Petite Sarah increased from $1088 to $1269 over the three years. Not everything went straight up. District 8 Zinfandel fell last year to $1273 per ton from $1354 the year before.
In the white category, District 8 Sauvignon Blanc went from $967 to $1146 over the three years. District 8 Chardonnay fell slightly last year to $1231 per ton from $1286 in 2012 and $1202 in 2011.
What are growers planting today (other than almonds)? The answer says the presentation – Cabernet Sauvignon.
Looking ahead, the report says some 90,000 acres of nonbearing grapes statewide means production will continue to grow but with chance of a looming surplus of grapes in the future that warrants watching.With the nonbearing grapes added in – the state’s grape acreage is now 645,000 acres.
California’s total wine crush was 4.7 million tons in 2013,up from 4.4 million tons in 2013.Of that 2.4 million tons were the red variety,1.8 white and 455,000 tons were raisin and table varieties used for natural sweeteners.
In San Luis Obispo County – wine grapes were the number-one ranked commodity in value in 2013. Overall, total production increased 10% compared to the prior year. Favorable weather conditions,strong prices, high production levels and high demand helped bolster the increase. San Luis Obispo County’s wine grapes were valued at over $220 million.
SLO County’s wine grape harvest should grow if enough water is available. The plantings here includes nonbearing grapes exceeding 6000 acres with a total of around 42,000 acres.