With so many restaurants closed these days, it comes to reason that the demand for wine has gone down, which has hit the demand for wine grapes too. One more factor has hurt the grape industry.....the wild fires.
The heavy smoke caused by the wild fires has dumped heavy ash on acres upon acres of vineyards, especially in Sacramento County. So much ash, that contracts between the wine makers and grape growers are being voided. The only options for the for the growers are to take the hit, or find another buyer. The smoke and ash are actually penetrating the grape skins on the vine affecting the flavor, and not for the better. One grower has lost 100 acres of merlot and pinot grapes resulting in a $1 million loss.
Jack and Carolyn talked about this on the Morning Breeze. Listen here: