Fresno County Viticulture Advisor
A New Year and Renewed Optimism for Grapes
As California’s grape industry faces ongoing economic and labor pressures, cautious optimism is beginning to surface. On Ag Meter, Fresno County Viticulture Advisor George Zhuang joined host Nick Papagni to talk about where the grape and raisin industries are headed and why innovation will be critical moving forward. While Zhuang admits there is no crystal ball for predicting the seasons ahead, he believes the industry is positioned for improvement as new technologies and varieties gain traction.
From Rural China to California Vineyards
Zhuang’s path to Fresno County viticulture began in a small farming village in southwest China, where rice and oranges shaped his childhood. That early exposure led him to study wine and food chemistry as an undergraduate, followed by a master’s degree at Michigan State University. In 2013, he moved to California, first working with E. & J. Gallo Winery before joining UC Cooperative Extension. Now more than 11 years into his role, Zhuang says viticulture is not just his career, but his passion.
Fresno County: Wine, Raisins, and Research
Fresno County is unique in producing wine grapes, table grapes, and raisin grapes. Zhuang’s primary focus is wine and raisin production, where he works directly with growers on research-based solutions. One of the biggest changes he sees ahead is in raisin production systems. Rising labor costs and shortages are accelerating interest in mechanization, especially through new raisin varieties designed for mechanical pruning and harvesting.
Mechanization and the Future of Raisins
Zhuang highlighted new raisin varieties such as Sunpreme, which show strong potential for near 100% mechanized production. Combined with updated trellis systems, these varieties could allow California growers to produce raisins more efficiently and competitively. While he remains a fan of traditional Thompson Seedless vineyards, Zhuang acknowledges that long-term survival depends on adapting to economic realities in a global market where California is no longer the top producer.
San Joaquin Valley Grape Symposium: January 7
Much of this innovation will be showcased at the San Joaquin Valley Grape Symposium on January 7 at the UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier. The long-running event will focus this year on raisin grapes, featuring classroom presentations in the morning and a field demonstration in the afternoon. Attendees will see mechanical pruning equipment in action and hear updates on varieties, rootstocks, and pest and disease management—topics made even more relevant after recent storm-damaged harvests.
Industry Collaboration and a Shared Mission
Zhuang credits much of his success to collaboration with industry leaders such as Nat Dibuduo, Kalem Barsarian, and Dwayne Cardoza of the Raisin Bargaining Association. He is also working closely with the next generation, including regenerative farming projects focused on soil health, cover crops, and sustainable pest management.
For Zhuang, raisins remain the heart of Fresno County agriculture. The challenge—and opportunity—lies in blending tradition with innovation to keep the industry viable for decades to come.
👉 To hear George Zhuang’s full insights and discussion on the future of grapes and raisins, listen to the complete Ag Meter interview.