California Ag Network

Category: Grape Industry

  • Robert Young Estate Vineyard and Winery: 159 Years

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (June 9, 2017) – Peter Young immigrated to New York in the early 1800’s and came to California in the 1850’s for the Gold Rush. He settled on 120 acres in Alexander Valley, where he raised cattle for leather and sheep.

    Historical photos of the family’s house and barn.
    Photos courtesy of the Young Family.

    At their peak, the Young family had more than 700 head of sheep, raised grain and herds of cattle. Peter cleared the land in the 1870’s and prepared it for the first prune orchard. Peter’s son, Silas, followed in his father’s footsteps. The tradition of growing prunes was carried on by Silas’s son Robert, who was born in 1919.

    In 1935, Robert was only 16 years old when his father passed away. He inherited the ranch with a $70,000 mortgage in the middle of the Great Depression.

    When asked by his great uncle Tom Meek what he wanted to do, Robert said he wanted to stay on the ranch and continue farming instead of selling the property. Meek, a farmer in Alexander Valley and the founder of Soda Rock Winery, went to the bank to guarantee the mortgage, ensuring the future of the Young’s ranch.

    Robert graduated from Healdsburg High School and married his high school sweetheart, Gertrude. The couple had four children: JoAnn, Jim, Susan and Fred, the fourth generation of Youngs to farm in Sonoma County. As children, they remember growing up on a prune ranch, although the property was still maintaining sheep and cattle herds.

    In 1962, a farm advisor suggested that the Young family plant winegrapes, and in 1963 Robert planted the family’s first grapes: 14 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. After a few years, he realized there was more money in grapes than prunes. In 1965, the Young family planted their second set of grapes, and in 1967 they pulled out their first prunes and replaced them with Chardonnay. In 1978, Jim and Fred worked alongside their father Robert to pull out the last 65 acres of prunes.

    Jim graduated from UC Davis in 1974 and began working on the ranch the following year.

    Over time, Robert and his wife worked to expand their land, through inheritance and purchasing additional acreage.

    Jim and Susan said their dad was determined to set up the company for his four children to ensure its continuity. He was knowledgeable, but also sought advice from attorney’s to figure out how to transfer the property to the next generation.

    The Young Family today. Top row: Paul Kelley, Susan Sheehy, JoAnn Young, J.R. Young; second row from top: Becky Kelley, Tammi Young, Kathleen Young, Jim Young, Kim Young, Fred Young; second row from bottom: Rachel Kelley, Nicole Young, Robert Young, Nikki Young, Todd Sheehy, Ruth Kelley, Arlo Wallace (baby), Stuart Wallace; bottom row: Dave Keller, Kelly Keller, Lily Keller, Sidney Sheehy, Sarah Sheehy, Abby Sheehy (baby), Katie Young, Powell (winery dog).

    The Young family now farms 317 acres of winegrapes, owning 287 and leasing 30. They also have additional land that’s not planted in grapes and continue to run approximately 20 head of cattle.

    The family primarily grows Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but grow 12 varieties in total. They sell to 14 wineries, keeping 5-7% for their own winery.

    The Youngs began talking about a starting a family winery in 1995 to create more opportunities for the family as their kids were getting older. They produced their first vintage at Arrowood in 1997 and have proceeded to make wine at their winery on Red Winery Road in Alexander Valley.

    The grapes grown for the estate winery are more hands-on while other parts are more mechanized. Jim said that labor is the largest challenge of farming in 2017, and he sees the industry moving towards more mechanization as labor becomes more challenging to find.

    Many of the laborers working for the Young family became legalized citizens in the 80’s and have worked for the family for decades. As these farmworkers reach retirement age, the Young family isn’t seeing the next generation replacing the labor force; instead the children are taking jobs in finance or other fields.

    With the family winery in existence for more than 20 years, the Young family is constantly thinking about transitioning the business to the next generation and building opportunities for their children and grandchildren. With four in the fourth generation and 25 in the fifth and sixth generations, the family has 29 potential partners.

    Jim currently serves as the CEO, but the vineyards and winery are governed by a board that includes family members and two industry professionals who can offer an outside view. The winery currently employees multiple family members, while others are working outside the winery gaining experience which might prepare them for a future career at the winery.

    The family isn’t sure who will take over in the next generation, but said the board is their driving force and they are willing to hire experts until the right family member is groomed into an executive position. They have been working on their succession plan for more than 30 years consulting with numerous experts and advisors to get to where they are now. “We realize how fortunate we are to be on this land,” said Susan. “We’re blessed to be here and have had the opportunity that this affords us.”

    For more information visit ryew.com

    Courtesy of Rachel LaFranchi and Sonoma County Farm Bureau.

     

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (June 9, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that with wheat silage harvest almost completed most fields are being planted with summer beans, silage corn, Sudan grass, and silage sorghum. Wheat harvest for grain has begun, and the left over wheat straw is being baled. Alfalfa fields are making excellent progress; and being irrigated, cut, and baled. Corn continues being planted, and earlier planted fields are growing well, with some are developing tassels. Cotton is emerging and being irrigated and growing well.

    Harvest of early season varieties of peaches, nectarines, and plums is tapering off. Mid-season stone fruit varieties are getting close to maturity. Stone fruit are being exported to Australia, Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand. White flesh nectarines and peaches are being shipped to Brazil and Taiwan. Cherries are being picked and packed for domestic markets, and exported to Mexico. Last year’s almonds and pistachios are being exported to the European Union, Israel, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. Walnut, almond, and pistachio orchards are being irrigated. Both mechanical and chemical weed control continues in orchards. Grapevines continue to have leaves removed to allow for improved air circulation and light around the developing bunches to improve color.

    Some navel oranges continue to be picked and packed for the domestic market. Valencia oranges continue to be harvested and exported to China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Grapefruit harvest is finishing up, with Star Ruby grapefruit being shipped domestically and exported to Korea and Mexico. Seedless tangerines are having the netting removed now that the bloom is over.

    Summer vegetables are being planted and harvested and shipped domestically. Blueberries are being harvested, with exports to the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan. Strawberry harvest is nearing an end with increasing seasonal temperatures. Berries are still being harvested and sold at roadside stands.

    Low elevation rangeland continues to dry, and cattle are being moved to higher elevations. The higher elevations are providing more grass than previous years. Fed cattle prices are at $136.00 per hundredweight.

    Surface water is flowing in many of the irrigation canals. Many farmers across Tulare County are able to use surface water to irrigate crops this year instead of relying solely on pumping ground water. Wholesale nursery shipments to Canada and domestic markets continue.

  • The 10 Best Napa Wineries to Visit

    By Igor Sill

    What are the best Napa Valley wineries to visit? This isn’t an easy question to answer because there are so many truly amazing Napa wineries. Some people prefer the small boutique “micro” wineries, some want a winery that focuses on their favorite wine style or varietal, while others want a lively venue with many amenities like restaurants, shops and art galleries.  This list is meant as a starting point on your exploration of this globally revered wine region.

    No other wine region on the planet draws as much attention as Napa Valley.  It’s visited by well over three million people every year; making it one of California’s top tourist destinations (Disneyland ranks #1).  Perfect for a day or weekend trip from San Francisco, Napa Valley awards one with beautiful scenery, exceptional wineries, world-renowned wines and, of course, an unforgettably memorable experience.

    For many San Francisco Bay Area tourists, the opportunity of tasting premium wines is an absolute must.  Napa’s soil, gentle climate and growing conditions (terroir) make for ideal grapes, coveted by wine enthusiasts worldwide.

    Napa Valley contains well over 400 wineries, with most welcoming guests with winery tours, wine education and tasting rooms.  While enticing, the sheer number of winery options can be overwhelming.  This article was originally published back in February of 2016 based on reviews from visitors compiled via yelp.com.  In this updated version, I researched both yelp.com and TripAdvisor.com to uncover those wineries that recent visitors felt offered excellent wines, a substantial, service-oriented winery experience, rich history, as well as an informative and entertaining adventure.  Seems a lot has changed since then, both from visitor reviews and the winery programs themselves.

    Both of these websites are free and provide consumers an open platform to voice their experiences about the quality of products, services and experiences so that anyone can instantly acquire information from countless other consumers about their personal experiences ranging from restaurants to movies to physicians and, wineries!  After compiling the most positive ratings, I visited these top 10 wineries unannounced to confirm the reviews.

    The recommendations listed are supported by analyzing well over 3,000 yelp.com and TripAdvisor.com shared reviews, for the best, a few hidden gems, as well as my own first-hand experience of their hospitality, quality of wines, ambiance, history, the overall wine tasting experience and the memories that linger long after the visit is over. Yelp has always been a dependable community review site with full user profiles helping others determine if they might agree with a particular reviewer’s taste.  Yelp encourages users to post real photos and their real first name and last initial. I believe both yelp and TripAdvisor reviews are reliable, trustworthy and fairly representative by visitors.

    Wine is not to be feared, though at first it can seem somewhat daunting.  A knowledgeable wine tender can erase those fears while guiding your pallet to an enjoyable and memorable experience on your very first visit.  If you are a first time visitor, you may wish to consider picking the right time of year to visit.  The best time to visit Napa is during the Spring and Fall seasons, meaning April to early June and the September to October timeframes.  Early fall is our “crush” period, when wineries are harvesting their grapes.  If you want to experience a winery in action, come in the Fall.  The other optimal time is early Spring (late February to March) when Napa Valley’s mustard plants are all in full, brilliant yellow bloom.

    Excellent wines are certainly treasured; however, the experience a winery and its staff provide determines its guest’s assessment and the desire to return.  Wineries achieve first class status when their staff enjoys greeting people, are extraordinary experts in their fields and capable of conveying their knowledge in a friendly, fun and understandable fashion.  Life is way too short for lousy wine and a mediocre time.  And so, with the help of yelp.com and TripAdvisor.com shared reviews, here are 10 of my favorite wineries with tastings and tours that are open to the public.

    Of course, this list only scratches the surface. Napa has dozens of other wineries worth noting, such as Beaulieu, Beringer, Cakebread, Chateau Montelena, Ehlers, Far Niente, Mondavi, Pine Ridge, Shafer, Silver Oak and many more.

    The smaller wineries will often receive guests on an appointment only basis, so always call ahead, or visit their website for availability.  Also, note that Napa zoning restrictions preclude picnic eating at all but a couple of Napa estates, so hold off on that picnic basket.

    Virtually all wineries will charge a fee for the tour or tasting, but given the amount of information garnered and the quality of wines poured, along with the beautiful and stylish settings; these visits are an incredible bargain.

    My list of the best Napa Valley wineries to visit:

    1) V.Sattui Winery, St Helena, Napa (www.vsattui.com):  This is the most popular and most visited winery in all of Napa.  Hours are 9-5 in the winter and 9-6 in the summer months with no appointment required, 7 days a week.  V.Sattui continues to evolve and upgrade their guest experiences, recently adding a Concierge Service designed to custom tailor visits based on guest preferences.  It’s a top favorite because they offer old world Italian charm, more than 60 different wines, champagne and ports, vast picnic grounds, personalized winery and barrel tasting tours, food pairings, a legendary deli with fresh foods, cheeses and a friendly, knowledgeable, well trained staff.   It’s one of the few wineries that consistently receives top awards for their wines crafted by noted Winemaker, Brooks Painter who joined V.Sattui in 2005 from Robert Mondavi Winery.  The main tasting room is as close to a party as you’ll get in the often seriously elitest Napa.  For those who want to learn and talk about terroir while indulging in aficionado conversations about serious wines should visit their Vittorio tasting room (Tower) where wine expert, Marc Golic, can be found.  There’s always a party going on at this winery because it’s always packed with visitors, frequent summer BBQs, special events, entertainment and weddings year round.  This winery has a full time wedding and special events Michelin Star Chef, Stefano Masanti, insuring exceptional cuisine matches glamorous events.  Culinary Director, Joe Schneider, combines award winning wines with weekly food pairing tasting events.  It’s also a great spot to relax with their wines while enjoying a family lunch on their picnic grounds.  The terrace grounds behind Vittorio Tower is like walking through olive tree lined lavender fields in Italy. V. Sattui is a family, dog friendly winery where you’ll see children having a great time as well.  This is truly a wonderful and gorgeous place to spend your day. V.Sattui believes in doing very little advertising, relying mostly on word-of-mouth from loyal Wine Club members, which seems to be working very well for them. Highly recommended for fun-loving novice wine buffs as well as the accomplished wine aficionado. 1111 White Lane, St Helena, CA 94574  (707) 963-7774

    2) Darioush Winery, Oak Knoll, Napa (www.darioush.com): I made reservations for 4 at Darioush Winery for a flight of 5 wines hosted tasting on a busy Saturday afternoon @ $150 per person. We arrived a bit early and drove up that beautiful long driveway at the base of Atlas Peak off of Silverado Trail. We were graciously greeted as we approached the entry by Mark, a very friendly concierge who checked us in with a smile and served us a wonderful Russian River Chardonnay. Mark quickly guided us inside to a waiting living room setting in front of a massive fireplace graced by Persian columns. Mark then introduced us to our host, Derek, who engaged us with a bit of history behind Darioush’s founder, Darioush Khaledi, who achieved the American dream by immigrating to the US from Iran following the Islamic revolution and started what turned out to become the largest family-owned grocery business in Los Angeles. He then founded Darioush in 1997 to bring the opulent architecture, rich culture, arts and wines of the famed royal city of Persepolis to Napa. And, that he has done. The winery is amazingly impressive, with Persepolis columns framing the entrance with a royal palace setting inside. Our 5 wines were served paired perfectly with artisan cheeses and nuts. We tasted 2 Syrahs, a Merlot, a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon and lastly, the Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. All were luscious and superbly outstanding. Darioush himself walked over, introduced himself and welcomed us to his winery with a genuine and gracious hospitality, making us feel like royalty. Derek then invited us downstairs where we toured Darioush’s personal wine collection cellar, filled with first growth Bordeaux wines, in the style of Haut-Brion, Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux (one of my personal favorites), Chateau Lafite and Mouton Rothschild, including a bottle of 1942 Chateau Lafite Rothschild–reportedly one of only 2 left in the world. Derek then pulled out a wine thief and proceeded to extract tastings for each of us from a cellar French oak barrel of 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, yet to be bottled or released. It was truly outstanding and, though a bit young, will clearly be brilliant in a few years. Overall, we tasted some 7 lovely wines and were graced with an unforgettable wine tasting experience in one of Napa’s absolutely finest wineries.  Without question, an exceptional and unforgettably memorable experience, worthy of 6 yelp stars (5 is the max)! Appointments required. 4240 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 (707) 257-2345

    3) Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga, Napa (www.castellodiamorosa.com): Castello di Amorosa knows how to make a huge first impression.  Set on a Calistoga knoll, this authentically styled, 13th Century Tuscan castle winery is unlike any other you’ll visit.  It took some 15 years for owner Dario Sattui (founder of V.Sattui Winery) to construct it and has all the elements you’d expect from an authentic Italian castle, such as a moat with drawbridge, high stone walls, gargoyles, a church and fully equipped torture chamber.  The castle winery produces hand-crafted Italian-styled wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Primitivo and Sangiovese.  A number of guided tours and tastings are available. The castle hits all the marks: delicious wines that you can only get from here, unforgettably gorgeous grounds, delectable foods and cheeses, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff.  Busy and crowded.  $25 gets you into the castle along with 5 tastings. 4045 St. Helena Highway (Hwy 29) (707) 967-6272

    4) Spottswoode, St Helena, Napa (www.spottswoode.com): Spottswoode is a true family owned historic winery on the west side of St Helena in the Napa Valley.  Established in 1882 by George Schonewald, the estate is distinguished by the historic Victorian home portrayed on their wine labels.  Founder, Mary Novak was a vital part of the fabric of Napa Valley and its wine community since 1972. Her intelligence, sense of humor, humility, and vivacious personality continues to inspire all at Spottswoode. Today, the winery is managed by her daughters Beth Novak Milliken, its President & CEO and Lindy Novak, who runs the winery’s wholesale marketing program.  The family produces a small portfolio of 4 delicious varietals, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and a miniscule amount of Syrah and Albarino.  Their hospitality and tasting room is in a quaint Victorian farmhouse nestled amongst the vines. Tours are available on Monday through Fridays at 10AM with no more than 10 people allowed, so call in advance as this is a popular site.  Spottswoode is consistently rated one of the very best (5 stars) at Yelp.  Phone (707) 963-0134 or email tours@spottswoode.com to make a reservation.

    5) Inglenook Winery, Rutherford, Napa (www.inglenook.com):  As one of the original Napa wineries, the elegant, ivy-covered Inglenook was founded by Finnish sea captain and Wine Connoisseur, Gustave Niebaum in 1879.  Gustave was passionate about making fine wines in small quantities.  Many Hollywood legends were drawn to this Napa treasure in the 1930’s and 40’s including Carole Lombard, Clark Gable and Jean Harlow to name just a few.  In 1975, Francis Ford Coppola acquired the notorious winery from the Niebaum family and spent considerable time, money and energy restoring it back to its magnificent original splendor.  It has since been known by several names, ala Niebaum-Coppola, Coppola and Rubicon until 2011, when Francis Ford Coppola acquired the Inglenook trademark, paying more, he said, than he had paid for the entire estate.  He has since, restored the historic name Inglenook to the estate so that it remains a true crown jewel of Napa Valley.  Tours are by appointment and definitely worthwhile so that you can appreciate these amazing grounds.

    6) Artesa Vineyards and Winery (www.artesawinery.com) Out of all these wineries, Artesa offers the very best overall Napa views.  The family-owned winery is set into the highest hill of its 350-acre estate. A terrace offers beautifully expansive vistas of the surrounding countryside, and on clear days, a view of the San Francisco skyline.

    Artesa’s architecture reflects a series of Spanish Mediterranean themes. Originally named Codorniu Napa, the name was changed to Artesa in 1997, which translates to “handcrafted” in catalan. Today Artesa wines are crafted from the varietals for which Carneros and Napa Valley are best known: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Tastings are $35, $45 and $55 per person dependent on exclusivity of the wines served.  There are some truly amazing picturesque views to absorb as you enjoy some truly great wines.  1345 Henry Road, Napa (707) 224 1668

    7) Domaine Carneros, Napa, CA (domainecarneros.com) Founded by the noble French family behind Champagne Taittinger, this majestically grand château is a splendid way to enjoy the Carneros Appellation of Napa. This stunning, fairy-tale château was modeled after an 18th-century French mansion owned by Taittinger. Carved into the hillside below the winery are exceptional sparkling wines reminiscent of those crafted by Taittinger, using estate grown Los Carneros grapes.  The estate is located in the southern part of Napa Valley near the cooler climate of San Pablo Bay.  There are 3 terraces from which you can enjoy breathtaking views while sipping extraordinary Sparkling and Pinot Noir wines. If you elect to take a tour, you’ll experience behind-the-scenes look at how wines are produced, from the vineyards through to the bottling process and culminates with a sampling of wines paired with an array of artisan cheeses, gourmet caviar, smoked salmon and charcuterie while seated in the Louis XV–inspired salon or on the terrace overlooking the vineyards. Reservations are required. 1240 Duhig Road. Napa, CA 94559. (707) 257-0101, email: tours@domainecarneros.com. Tasting Hours: 10:00AM-5:30PM

    8) Luna Vineyards, Napa, CA (lunavineyards.com): Co-founders Michael Moone and George Vare launched Luna Vineyards in 1995.  Wonderful, magically modern and an absolutely amazing small estate vineyard close by to downtown Napa and a short distance from Silverado Resort.  You can leave your car parked at your Napa B&B and easily get there via bike.  Luna, located on Silverado Trail is the largest producer of Pinot Grigio in Napa. They offer a sunny patio area with ample comfy chairs to relax in while tasting their wines.  Luna is more like a wine bar than a working winery, with music playing and a relaxed comfortable setting.  You can also catch the beautiful scenic views of the historic Silverado Trail overlooking the vineyards from their rooftop tower.  They specialize in Atlas Peak mountain varietals which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese.  Reservations are recommended. 2921 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 Open Daily: 10:30AM – 6PM (707) 255-5862

    9) Opus One, Oakville, Napa (www.opusonewinery.com) This winery originated as the joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe Rothschild who teamed up to create this magnificent winery focused on producing a single Bordeaux styled blend based on Napa Valley floor Cabernet Sauvignon.  Opus One Winery delivers a luxurious, though somewhat formal wine experience. The estate is impressive, especially when driving down the center driveway to the winery entrance.  Looking out across Opus One’s vineyards from the upstairs terrace, you immediately sense the beauty of Napa Valley.  This is a winery to just sit back, relax and absorb a wonderful glass of wine with the company of good friends.  It doesn’t get any more luxuriously sophisticated than this, so take plenty of pictures while there.  Constellation Brands acquired Robert Mondavi winery in 2004 and entered into a management agreement with Baron Rothschild to manage Opus One.  The Winery tours are by appointment only, so call in advance to secure your reservation, and if possible, note that their very best and most knowledgeable tour Docents are Sandy, Nancy, Vicki, Hank and Japanese-speaking, Kaede.  Opus One produces only one wine, a Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon blend, so be prepared for tasting one lovely red wine in a bit pretentious and pricey setting.  Opus One is worth the visit. 7900 St. Helena Highway (Hwy 29) Oakville, CA 94562 (707) 944-9442 Tasting Hours: 10:00AM-4:00PM

    10) Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Oakville, Napa (www.cask23.com): Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, this winery brought international acclaim to Napa Valley winemaking when their 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon won the famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris” tasting.  A bottle of 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon was inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum in 1996 as a result of being awarded first in this competition and to reflect the impact that the achievement had on Napa’s wine industry.  The winery’s newly remodeled facility provides floor-to-ceiling views of its vineyards as its centerpiece.  The winery’s cave “is the moral center of the universe” according to founder Warren Winiarski.  He installed an amazing floor-to-ceiling Foucault pendulum at the center of the vaulted caves. It’s an awesome sight to behold as it swings methodically.  The winery was sold to a joint venture by Chateau Ste Michelle and Marchesi Antinori in the summer of 2007. Reservations are accepted Monday through Friday from 10AM to 4:30PM at tours@cask23.com. 5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 (707) 261-6410

    After an enjoyable and fun-filled day of wine tasting, you may want to continue your romantic adventure by exploring a few of Napa Valley’s finest restaurants.  Paring those exceptional wines is a very real part of the wine country lifestyle. Chef Thomas Keller’s French Laundry, located in Yountville is a three Michelin stars, though getting a reservation is challenging and, if successful, costly, however, the intimacy of the dining experience make it well worth your while.  Another favorite is Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, offering superb dining with a magnificent valley view.  A bit further north in St. Helena, is one of my favorites, Market, on Main Street in downtown St Helena.  Not far away, is PRESS Restaurant which boasts exquisite steaks and one of the valley’s best all-Napa wine lists. On Silverado Trail is Chef Christopher Kostow’s The Restaurant at Meadowood, another 3 star Michelin restaurant.  Further north in Calistoga is another of my favorites, Solage’s Solbar which offers a relaxing and beautiful setting, local and seasonal ingredients as well as an extensive wine list. So, pack your bags and increase your expectations. You won’t be disappointed.

    The author Igor Sill farms a 24-acre mountain vineyard in Atlas Peak and a terraced cabernet sauvignon vineyard in St Helena, Napa, California.  He’s a passionate vintner; wine lover; writer; Court of Master Sommeliers; attended UC Davis’ winemaking program; Member, Napa Valley Wine Technical Group; Judge, International Wine Challenge, London UK and holds his Masters from Oxford University.

  • Growing Wine Grapes in the Santa Ynez Valley with Larry Saarloos

    [wpdevart_youtube]eng9A9oa5is[/wpdevart_youtube]

    The Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara is a unique area to grow grapes. Watch this brief interview with wine grape grower Larry Saarloos as he shares what’s going on in his vineyard currently. Read more in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Award-Winning Campus Wines Available At Free Tastings In May

    Fresno, Calif., (May 22, 2017) – The Fresno State Winery will offer free tastings of four award-winning wines — Petrucci’s Crush, Pinot Noir, San Joaquin Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc — at the Gibson Farm Market (5368 N. Chestnut Ave.) each weekend in May from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

    The 2014 Petrucci’s Crush, available for a limited time only, is a Bordeaux-style blend with fruit from Duarte Nursery and campus vineyards. The 2016 SJ Chardonnay, 2016 Sauvignon Blanc and 2014 Tempranillo are sourced from Duarte Nursery, and the 2015 Pinot Noir is sourced from fruit from Saviez Vineyards in Fresno County.

    Including the 2014 Tempranillo, five Fresno State wines combined to win 10 gold and silver medal honors this spring (see list below). The Tempranillo also won a silver medal last November in the Harvest Challenge wine competition.

    All five wines can be purchased at the Gibson Farm Market and through the Fresno State Wine Club, which will reorganize its membership plans starting in June to offer wine club customers more options to better fit their preferences.

    The Fresno State Winery has won more than 600 honors since it became the nation’s first commercially bonded winery on a collegiate campus in 1997. It currently offers 14 red, white, blush and specialty wines that are produced on campus by viticulture and enology students and staff, and many of the grapes are sourced from Fresno State’s 120-acre campus vineyard.

    More information is available by contacting Fresno State Wine Club president Veronica Viramontes (559.278.6070, verovira@mail.fresnostate.edu) or the Gibson Farm Market (559.278.4511).

    2017 Wine Competition Awards – Fresno State Wines

    2016 SJ Chardonnay

    Gold medal, San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers

    Gold medal, California State Fair

    Silver medal, Finger Lakes International

    2014 Petrucci’s Crush

    Gold medal, San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers

    Gold medal, San Francisco Chronicle

    Silver medal, Finger Lakes International

    2014 Tempranillo

    Gold medal, San Francisco Chronicle

    Silver medal, Finger Lakes International

    2015 Pinot Noir

    Silver medal, San Francisco Chronicle

    2016 Sauvignon Blanc

    Silver medal, Finger Lakes International

     

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (May 16, 2017) – There was bit more variation in the weather pattern this week across the west coast with two separate storm systems developing and moving through the area. Each system brought a couple of rounds of light precipitation to various parts of the State.

    Saturday was the only completely dry day across the State, with no reports of measurable precipitation. Every other day of the week saw very light and isolated showers at specific locations. On Tuesday, the interior deserts and southern tier received up to a quarter inch of rainfall. Thursday saw comparably widespread rain, as well, with showers falling on the northwestern mountains/coast, the northern mountain, and the northern and central Sierras. Friday and Sunday saw light showers in the central Sierras. Another late spring week led to additional snowmelt in the mountains, with snow cover limited to 7,500 feet and above in the southern Sierras. Up to 2-3 feet is likely above this elevation. The northern Sierras are also snow-free below about 5,500 feet, with six to eight feet above 5,500 feet.

    Temperature highs were in the 50s to 70s in the mountains and along the coast, 70s to 80s in the valley, and 70s to 90s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 20s to 40s in the mountains, 40s to 50s in the valley and along the coast, and 40s to 60s in the desert.

    Winter wheat was being green chopped for silage; some was being dried, with harvest nearing completion. Alfalfa fields were making excellent progress being cut, dried, and baled. Corn continued being planted, and earlier planted fields were growing well. Cotton was up and being irrigated. Soil preparation and planning for rice was ongoing.

    Grapes and stone fruits were developing well with the favorable weather and water conditions. Thinning of immature stone fruit continued in some orchards. New fruit tree orchards and vineyards were irrigated. Pomegranates were blooming. Mechanical and chemical weed control continued in orchards. Cherries, apricots and some early peach and nectarines were harvested. The Valencia orange harvest continued. New citrus orchards were planted. Olive bloom was drawing to a close.

    Almond nut development was progressing well. Pistachio, walnut and almond orchards were irrigated and fertilized. Some orchard floors were sprayed with herbicides, and fungicides were applied as needed.

    Early planted summer vegetable were progressing well. New fields were prepared for planting. Cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant and melons were planted in Tulare County.  Sweet corn, peppers and melons were also planted. Processed tomato planting continued in Yolo County. Tomato planting was essentially complete in Fresno County and some early plantings were setting fruit.  Some early summer vegetables were harvested. In the San Joaquin Valley, some vegetable fields were irrigated and fertilized.    Herbicides and fertilizer were applied to onions for seed.  In Imperial Valley, melons, sweet corn, and onions were harvested. Strawberry and blueberry harvest continued.

    Foothill rangeland and valley dryland pasture forage quality was in fair to excellent condition. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued to decline. Sheep grazed on retired pasture and dormant alfalfa. Bees were active in kiwi vineyards, melon, and vegetable fields.

  • Raisin Bargaining Association May Industry Update

    [wpdevart_youtube]SzKXXtMtUDQ[/wpdevart_youtube]

    Bunch counts are in, temperatures are rising and growers are working to keep their vines clean of pests and diseases. Meanwhile at the Raisin Bargaining Association, here is Kalem Barserian with an update on raisin shipments, acreage trends, and their efforts to support the industry after hitting rock bottom pricing for last year’s crop. Watch this brief video and read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Practical Grape Growing Seminar in Paso Robles, May 17

    MAY EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR

    May 17, 2017
    1:00 – 4:00

    “Practical Grape Growing” is a seminar series offered by IGGPRA in 2017 that provides attendees with practical tips and industry knowledge from local experts. All grape growers are invited and encouraged to attend. Registration is free for IGGPRA members and costs $20 per seminar for non-members.

    Held at the La Quinta Inn in Paso Robles from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., this seminar will cover the following topics:

    • Labor Contractor Liability

    Speaker: Philipda Modrakee, Wage and Hour Investigator, US Dept of Labor

    • Ag Order 3.0

    Speaker: Chris Rose, Director, Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program, Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)

    • Bloom Time Tissue Analysis for Vineyard Fertility Management

    Speaker: Carter Pierce, General Manager, JM Lord, Inc

    • Issues and Options for Vertebrate Pest Control

    Speaker: Dale Everson, Farm Supply

    IGGPRA serves its members by providing farming resources, continued education, hands-on training seminars and networking opportunities.

    RSVP here or call (805) 591-4204

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (May 9, 2017) – A broad ridging pattern over the western United States brought dry and hot weather to the State during the first two thirds of the week. Then a pattern shift over the weekend brought cooler temperatures and precipitation to parts of the State.

    A few isolated showers were limited to the Los Angeles basin and the far northern mountains near Mt. Shasta with low amounts of precipitation. Saturday saw more widespread rains in a band from the Los Angeles basin northward through the southern valley into the central and northern Sierras. The heaviest precipitation on Saturday exceeded one inch and fell in the Sierras near Lake Tahoe, with most other areas north and south along the band limited to a quarter inch of precipitation. On Sunday, light scattered precipitation fell on the central/southern Sierras, southern valley, and southward to the San Diego area. Warm temperatures resulted in substantial snowmelt in the mountains during the week, with only about six inches of snow cover remaining at the 6,500 foot elevation level in the southern Sierras. Upwards of four feet still exist over 6,500 feet in the central Sierras, with over eight feet in the northern mountains over 5,500 feet.

    Temperature highs were in the 60s to 80s in the mountains, 70s to 80s along the coast, 80s to 90s in the valley, and 80s to 100s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 30s to 50s in the mountains, 50s to 60s in the valley and along the coast, and 50s to 70s in the desert.

    Winter wheat was chopped for silage. Alfalfa fields were making excellent progress; some were being cut and baled with the drier weather. Dryland oats were being windrowed and baled. Some irrigated oats were being cut and dried. Corn continued to be planted, and earlier planted fields were growing well. Warm and sunny weather allowed resumption of field work and planting throughout most of the state.

    The cherry harvest started. Some early apricots were harvested. The late navel orange harvest was nearly completed. The accelerated harvest of Valencia oranges continued. Grapefruit were harvested. Seedless tangerines were netted to prevent cross pollination by bees during the bloom. Olive trees were blooming.

    Walnut, almond, and pistachio orchards were irrigated and fertilized. Some orchard floors were sprayed with herbicides and fungicides were applied as needed. Some reports that the almond nut set was good.

    In San Joaquin County, asparagus was harvested and packed. Processing tomatoes and sweet corn were planted. Farmer’s Market vegetables were harvested and offered for sale. In Monterey County, the quick start to the overdue season has slowed with volumes and prices evening out. Production was in full swing with most commodities going to harvest and in replant for the next round. In Fresno County, processing tomatoes were at various stages from planting to having fruit. The fields which had established good stands were receiving irrigation and fertilizer. Peppers were planted. Herbicide and fertilizer were applied to onion for seed. In Tulare County, early planted summer vegetables continued to grow. New fields were prepared for planting of additional summer vegetables. Cucumber, zucchini, eggplant, and melons were planted. Early planted summer squash was harvested. In Imperial County, sweet corn, onions, melons, and watermelons were harvested.

    Foothill rangeland and valley dryland pasture forage quality was in fair to excellent condition. The amount of supplemental feeding of livestock continued to decline response to the favorable range conditions. Sheep grazed on retired pasture and dormant alfalfa. Bees continued to be moved out of state as and some were staged near unplanted melon and vegetable fields.

  • 2016 California Wine Sales in U.S. Hit New Record: 238 Million Cases with Retail Value of $34.1 Billion

    San Francisco, Calif., (May 8, 2017) – California wine shipments to the U.S. reached an estimated retail value of $34.1 billion in 2016, up 4.6%. The state shipped an all-time high of 238 million cases to the U.S. in 2016, up 2% from the previous year.

    California wine sales to all markets, including shipments to the U.S. and exports, also set a record of 285 million cases in 2016.

    “Consumers worldwide recognize the high quality of California wines from diverse regions across the state,” said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, Wine Institute President and CEO. “As consumers in the U.S. and around the world continue to trade up to premium wines, California is ideally positioned.”

    “California wines in the U.S. market have increased from 191 million cases shipped in 2006 to 238 million cases in 2016,” said Jon Moramarco, founder and managing partner of BW166, who purchased The Gomberg-Fredrikson Report with partners last year. “The growth trend has been driven by population, which is up more than 12% over the last decade, and by the fact that baby boomers, traditionally the large population segment of frequent wine consumers, have been joined by millennials aged 21-38 who are also driving the growth in wine consumption,” Moramarco explained.

    “The estimated retail value for wine was calculated with an updated methodology that uses a wide variety of government, private, and other statistical data that have not historically been available, such as the direct-to-consumer sales report and Dept. of Commerce data,” Moramarco continued. “Consumer expenditures had been growing at a 6.1% annual rate as opposed to the historical estimates of 5.5% previously published, so the retail value was reset for more recent years. The new data sources provided a more comprehensive methodology for calculating consumer expenditures.”

    2016 Stats at a Glance:

    • Estimated retail value of 2016 California wine sales in the U.S. was $34.1 billion
    • The state shipped an all-time high of 238 million cases to the U.S. in 2016
    • Total California wine sales to the U.S. and exports was a record 285 million cases
    • The U.S. has been the world’s largest wine market since 2010

    Moramarco pointed out several trends in the U.S. marketplace. Both major retailers and distributors continue to consolidate, creating fierce competition and crowded sales channels. Consequently, many wineries are targeting niche sales channels, such as tasting rooms and direct-to-consumer sales, which have now reached more than 4% of the total volume. Another trend is that California wines selling for $10 and above are showing growth, accounting for 19% of the volume and 40% of the value in U.S. food stores. Wines under $10 are flat or down, but still holding 81% share of the shipment volume and 60% of the revenues.

    Americans’ access to wine continues to expand with over 550,000 locations that sell wine, according to Nielsen, a global provider of information and insights into consumer preferences and purchases. The number of on- and off-premise locations is about 120,000 more than a decade ago.

    Consumers are finding more in store restaurants and bars and also wine service in less traditional locations such as bookstores, nail salons, coffee shops and movie theaters, even car wash and car repair shops, said Danny Brager, Senior Vice President of Nielsen’s Beverage Alcohol Practice Area. Wine is a growing category, and it is being offered in new and different venues, as well as interesting, alternative packaging vehicles, such as cans, single-serve containers, premium boxes and wines on tap.
    According to Nielsen measured U.S. food store volume, Chardonnay remains the largest varietal of all wine types accounting for 20% share of the cases, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (15%), Red Blends including Sweet Reds (12%), Pinot Grigio/Gris (9%), Merlot (7%), Pinot Noir (6%), White Zinfandel/Blush (6%), Moscato/Muscat (5%) and Sauvignon Blanc (5%). The largest gains for whites came from Sauvignon Blanc with Pinot Grigio following well behind. Red wine growth was driven by Red Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. From a smaller base of 1% share, Ros退 is on fire with a 35% volume gain, but more than 60% on dollars.

    Total shipments of sparkling wine and champagne to the U.S. reached 25.6 million cases in 2016. Up 14% from the previous year, the category is showing very strong growth with Prosecco a key growth driver. Sparkling wines/champagne accounted for a 6% share of the U.S. wine market.

    The U.S. Wine Market – Wine shipments to the U.S. from all production sources — California, other states and foreign producers — grew to 399 million cases, up 3% from 2015, with an estimated retail value of nearly $60 billion. The U.S. has remained the world’s largest wine market by volume since 2010. California’s 238 million cases shipped within the U.S. in 2016 represent a 60% share of the U.S. wine market.

    U.S. wine exports, 90 percent from California, reached a record $1.62 billion in winery revenues in 2016. Volume shipments were 461 million liters or 51.2 million cases. The European Union’s 28-member countries were the top market for U.S. wine exports, accounting for $685 million; followed by Canada, $431 million; Hong Kong, $99 million; Japan, $87 million; China, $82 million; Mexico, $24 million; South Korea, $23 million; Switzerland, $19 million; Singapore, $14 million; and Philippines, $13 million.