The 2009 bumper crop of California grapes is placing added price pressure on premium wines, this in addition to a slowly recovering economy.  The crop of 2009 grapes came in at over 20% of the 2008 small crop harvest and just below the 2005 record harvest.  A representative of the Sonoma County Wine Grape Commission expressed concern that the grape growers may not see much recovery until 2011 at the earliest.  On the plus side, the ’09 wines will not be in the system for another couple of years.  By that time, growers hope that the bulk of the recession will be long behind us and pricing pressure somewhat relieved.  For now, however, it’s clear that the consumer is searching for value wines under the $15 pricing level.

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Tags: California