California grape growers struggle with market decline and cheap imports
- San Joaquin County's grape crop value dropped by nearly 19%, largely due to a lack of buyers and increased imports.
- Many growers are pulling vineyards due to oversaturation of the market and decreasing wine consumption.
- Despite the challenges, some stakeholders express hope for future recovery in the local wine industry.
In California, the grape crop's value has significantly decreased, reflecting a growing struggle within the state's wine industry. The San Joaquin County 2024 Crop Report revealed that grapes were valued at over $319 million, representing a notable decline of almost 19%. This downturn is primarily attributed to a lack of buyers for grapes due to diminished demand paired with an influx of cheap imports, leading to oversaturation in the market. As a consequence, many local growers are opting to pull out vineyards, unable to secure contracts amid the challenging economic landscape. Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, noting that much of the grape crop remains unharvested due to no buyers being available. The increasing volume of bulk imports—up 17% in the first half of 2025—has made it difficult for California's wine producers to compete. This trend, combined with a general decline in wine consumption among consumers, poses significant challenges for the local agricultural sector. While the grape industry faces a downturn, not all of the agricultural commodities in San Joaquin County are struggling. Overall, the agricultural value reached approximately $3.146 billion, with milk remaining the county's leading crop at over $536 million in value. In contrast, almond values surged by over $148 million, indicating a growing interest in alternative crops. Eggs and chickens ranked next in value, with walnuts showing an impressive increase of 60% in value despite the grapeland decline. Nevertheless, the grape growers in the region hold on to a glimmer of optimism. As Spencer expressed, the accessibility of wines and reasonable price points for consumers are being recognized. Some industry stakeholders point toward increased visitation and demand as positive signs that could help revive the industry. Despite facing a sluggish market and declining consumption patterns, local growers remain hopeful for better days ahead, as they continue to navigate the intricate challenges brought on by economic shifts and competition from global markets.