COVID 19 AND THE GRAPE HARVEST
The Covid Pandemic influence on the upcoming season is an unknown factor. How it will affect market conditions is probably the biggest unknown factor. In-store wine sales are booming especially in the middle price range of $10.00 to $20.00. I heard that increase may have exceeded 20%. This is dramatic. In contrast many States, including California, are having a second shut down of winery tasting rooms where sales are almost nonexistent. The effect of these contrary conditions is a big question mark. Distributors and sellers of grapes to home winemakers must naturally adhere to all safety rules for their employees and customers. I do not see an obstacle for them to be open as grapes are a food product. As I had mentioned in our previous newsletter, our main picking crew is very experienced in Covid 19 protocol. They have been picking other farm products for both fresh and processing entities. Food and employee safety procedures will be adhered to by all our staff—from vineyard to cold storage. Since we own all our facilities, we know that is a fact.
WEATHER AND TIMING
We are having one of the best growing years for weather. There have not been too many spikes of hot weather. This last week was cool in the evening and daylight temperatures were in the mid 80s. It is expected to be warmer this upcoming week. Veraison or color change is occurring at a good pace. Maturity should be at least a week earlier than the last few years.
CROP SIZE
After a week of visiting vineyards and looking over the crop, we are convinced that the crop might be considered light in general. There are less bunches and both the berries and bunches do not look too large. I have heard no explanation for this, but we believe the drier winter must have been a factor. Hopefully, the lighter crop may help with the overproduction of grapes and reduce the large wine inventory that we have had in California.
Map of Lodi Grape Growing Areas
We have found a very interesting map of the Lodi District Area. Over the years we have picked grapes from most of the sub AVA’s. Over the years you could have seen LINDEN HILLS, ALTA MESA, CLEMENTS HILLS and last year BORDEN RANCH on our box labels. As you can see from the map, we tend to favor the eastern part of the Lodi District for some of the best grapes available in the District.
