November 2024

California Vine Lines is a bimonthly publication of the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) to offer policymakers a snapshot of what is occurring in the grape-growing and wine industry. Please click on any of the links for more information about the issues highlighted below.

Wine Industry Adjusting to New Normal

"In the U.S., the prime wine-consuming generation has been Baby Boomers, and as they buy less wine, that's not entirely being replaced by the younger generations," says Mike Veseth, an industry-watcher who runs The Wine Economist.

More Americans are choosing to drink less or not at all. Plus, inflation has hit wine. As a result, wineries are closing, wine producers are leaving grapes unpicked or pulling crops out of the land, and tanks of bulk wine are sitting in reserves.

FIRA USA Expo Features Autonomous, Robotic Tech and Equipment for Vineyards

The goals of the FIRA meetings are to showcase and demonstrate new equipment using robotics and autonomous technologies and to bring together startup companies, the investor and venture capital sectors, the research and academic sectors, equipment manufacturers and dealers, and growers and farm owners to network and understand on-farm needs to improve technology and increase its commercialization and adoption.

Potential benefits of automating farm operations include more efficient use and application of materials, enhanced plant health and productivity through better data collection, crop monitoring, operation timing, and improved worker health and safety.

Wine Harvest Report 2024

Every year now is a new mix of success and failure, with unpredictable weather extremes and wildfires caused by climate change hitting some regions and bypassing others.

Still, winemakers everywhere are an optimistic lot, ready to make the best product they can, no matter the circumstances.

“It’s a great cabernet vintage,” said Aperture’s Jesse Katz, a view echoed by winemakers across Northern California.

Research to Strengthen U.S. Wine Industry

A recent nationwide study finds labor and adapting to a changing climate are top challenges for the wine industry.

California produces 85 percent of U.S. wine, but researchers say climate impacts like drought, wildfires, and limited access to water are challenging its sustainability and viability.

Navigating an increasing landscape of regulations creates additional burdens for growers.

LA Wines are Having a Moment

The L.A. region once had a thriving wine-making tradition, but it was eclipsed in the 20th century with the growth of Northern California vineyards.

Now though, there's a resurgence, with growing numbers of wine producers establishing themselves in the L.A. area.

That’s partly because consumers are moving away from large-scale industrial wine labels exported across the globe to a more sustainable approach.

About the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG)

Founded in 1974, CAWG stands as the statewide advocate for winegrape growers, representing the interests of California's winegrape industry. Our mission is to foster collaboration and advocate for policies that ensure the continued success of this economically vital industry.

California Association of Winegrape Growers

1121 L Street, Suite 304 • Sacramento, CA 95814 • www.cawg.org

Michael Miiller, Director of Government Relations

michael@cawg.org • (916) 379-8995 or (916) 204-0485