In California, which produces over 80% of U.S. wine, many grape growers are struggling to sell their harvest as Americans drink less wine. Wine sales have fallen by more than 20% over five years, causing prices to drop and prompting growers to remove about a quarter of the state's vineyards. This year, half of the crop lacked buyer contracts. Growers like Berryhill, who owns a vineyard near Lodi, face losses and are considering switching to other crops. The decline is linked to aging baby boomers and younger people drinking less, as well as global consumption falling.
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