The sale between two major winemakers is keeping some grapes from being purchased. The $1.7 billion deal in which E&J Gallo Winery would buy 34 wine and spirit labels from Constellation Brands remains …
Winegrape Assessment Rate Reduced by a Third for 2019
The annual winegrape assessment rate is officially being reduced after being approved by California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. At the last meeting held on June 17 …
Growers Needed for Powdery Mildew Research in Vineyards
UC Cooperative Extension is looking for grape growers statewide to help with a study looking at the powdery mildew population to help better understand how and where resistance is developing. …
Concern Raised by Increased Botrytis Presence
California’s abnormal spring weather has resulted in an increase in botrytis presence, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley where severe incidences have been reported in vineyards. There are some cultural …
Spotted Lantern Fly Sparking California Concern
University of California, Riverside (www.ucr.edu) UC Riverside is testing whether a sesame seed-sized wasp can control a pest that could seriously damage California crops including wine, walnuts, and avocados. The …
Another Step Closer to Understanding Smoke Exposure in Winegrapes
With the House Appropriations Committee’s approval of a bill that includes $1.5 million in funding for issues related to smoke exposure in winegrapes, researchers will have a better opportunity to …
Delay in E&J Gallo Acquisition of Constellation Brands
It looks like there has been a delay in the E&J Gallo-Constellation deal. After Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulators reviewed the $1.7 billion deal between Constellation Brands and E&J Gallo …
California Wine Industry Reacts to Two Bill Passages
The California wine industry is responding to two bills that are considered wins for the industry. The first is the disaster aid bill. The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) praised …
Pierce’s Disease and GWSS: A Deadly Combo for Grapes
Pierce’s Disease and the insect that spreads it, the glassy-winged sharpshooter, are nothing new to California and it keeps grapes from being grown in prime areas of the state. “What we’ve …
Four-Alarm Fire Causes Major Damage to Blue Diamond Growers Facility
A four-alarm fire broke out at a Blue Diamond Growers facility in downtown Sacramento on Monday, causing significant damage and forcing the evacuation of about 250 workers. According to the …
Impact of Trade on California Job Landscape
Last year California exported about $313 billion worth of goods and services, contributing to multiple areas of the state’s economy. Senior Advisor for International Affairs and Trade in the Governor’s …
California Almond Acreage Increases in 2018
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports that California’s almond acreage continued to increase in 2018. Bearing acres, or orchards that have matured enough to produce a crop, are reported …
Sacramento Lawmakers Hear Concerns from California Grape Industry
Several industry members recently went to Sacramento to meet with legislators and regulators to discuss the challenges that California grape producers are facing. President and CEO for Allied Grape Growers, …
Mechanical Vineyard Pruning Possible Without Replanting
One of the major concerns regarding mechanical vineyard pruning is the time and cost associated with replanting a vineyard in a manner that would accommodate the process. However, a report …