Feb 20, 2012

Winegrape output declines

California winegrape production declined last year, the crop hampered by unusually cool weather and rain, but growers statewide and in the Lodi area saw the drop more than offset by higher prices.

Industry experts said years of virtually no expansion of vineyard acreage, combined with steadily growing U.S. wine consumption, have set wine and grape prices on the upswing.

Lodi grower Rodney Schatz said winery representatives are clamoring for fruit, actively wooing farmers willing to put their vines under contract. The Stockton Evening Record

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