California Ag Network

Tag: Wine Industry Trends

  • Unified Wine & Grape Symposium Highlights Shift Toward Planning and Stabilization

    The 2026 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium concluded January 29th with signs of a broader shift in the American wine and grape industry, as conversations moved from acknowledging market disruption to planning for stabilization and future opportunity.

    “This year’s symposium reflected a grounded and forward-looking mindset,” said Natalie Collins, president of California Association of Winegrape Growers and co-host of the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium. “There was a clear willingness to confront difficult realities, but also a shared focus on problem-solving, collaboration and positioning the industry for what comes next.”

    In addition to the lineup of seminars and panel discussions hosted in Sacramento, the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium dedicates over 200,000 square feet at the convention center to supplier exhibits.  Featuring products ranging from corks, barrels, and vines to mammoth grape harvesters and everything in between, the trade show offers industry members a one-stop opportunity to explore new technology, services, and solutions, all under one roof.

    “We had strong, high-quality traffic and meaningful conversations,” said Dan Howard, executive director of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture and co-host of the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium. “Exhibitors were meeting the right people – the buyers, owners, and operational leaders who are making decisions. That is exactly what the trade show is designed to deliver.”

    The conversation will continue next year at the 2027 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, held January 26-28 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, California.

    Put on by the industry, for the industry, the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium serves as a clearinghouse of information for wine and grape industry professionals for more than 30 years. As the largest wine show of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, the show combines seminars and panel discussions with a massive trade show featuring more than 650 exhibitors and 800+ booths. For more information, visit www.unifiedsymposium.org.

  • Wine Market Dynamics with Turrentine Brokerage: Time to Evolve

    The global wine market is constantly evolving along with the demands of today’s consumers, as growers and wine industry stakeholders were clearly reminded at the recent Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento. Obviously, growers can’t change their vineyards/varietals as quickly as the markets changes; however, watch this brief interview for some considerations from Steve Fredricks from Turrentine Brokerage, and read more about the current state of the grape and wine industry in the March Crush Report issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Winery Numbers Increase, Distributors Consolidate — What’s a Mid-size Winery to Do?

    With the number of wineries in the US higher than ever, and only a few retailers controlling the bulk of wine distribution, what’s a mid-size winery to do to get their product through the supply chain?  Watch this brief interview with wine broker Glenn Proctor from the Ciatti Company as he shares a few recommendations and read more it in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • What Growers Should Know about the Grape Crush

    As many in the industry know, USDA’s 2018 Grape Crush Report was delayed due to the recent government shutdown.  This record breaking crop report was covered in the May issue of American Vineyard Magazine; but we also recently got some special insights on the report along with current wine market trends from Allied Grape Growers President Jeff Bitter.  So check out this brief interview, and if you haven’t already, be sure to read more about the Crush Report in the May issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Central Coast Wine Industry Trends: Another Great Vintage

    At the time of Malcolm Media’s Central Grape Expo mid-November, some growers were still out harvesting; but many took a short break to attend this popular half-day industry event.  One of the featured speakers this year was Todd Azevedo from Ciatti Company who shared his insights on the current State of the Central Coast Wine industry, and how different varieties are trending in the market.  Watch this brief interview with Todd Azevedo, and read his State of the Industry report in the coming January issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

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