Release of Wine Grape Crush Report Reveals a Second Consecutive Record Harvest, Experts Explain Market Impacts

NOVATO, CA--(Marketwired - Feb 5, 2014) -

WHAT:
The California Department of Food and Agriculture's Preliminary Grape Crush Report for 2013 is a critical barometer for the wine and grape industry, containing prices and tons of wine grapes crushed during the 2013 harvest. The Crush Report provides growers and wineries insight into the inventory position for the California wine business as a whole, and influences market dynamics for the current bulk wine market as well as the upcoming 2014 harvest.

WHEN:
CDFA is scheduled to release the Grape Crush Report at Noon on Monday, February 10, 2014.

ANALYSIS:
The Crush Report is likely to show that the total 2013 California wine grape crop increased slightly from the 2012 record harvest. Similar to 2012, the 2013 growing season was nearly ideal throughout the state, providing an increase in yields over the last several years. This was especially true in the North Coast, in particular, Sonoma County Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In the Northern Interior, it will be interesting to look at the size and continued trend of Zinfandel being harvested from white to red wine. Paso Robles and the Southern Interior suffered from extreme heat which limited production. This record harvest stretched capacity to its fullest, putting downward pressure on prices for late season grapes and on the bulk market.

WHO:
With 41 years of wine industry experience, Turrentine Brokerage, California's largest wine grape and bulk wine brokerage company, has a team dedicated to be trusted and strategic advisors to wineries, growers and financiers. Turrentine Brokerage is available to provide comment and analysis on this report and its probable impact on growers, wineries and consumers.

Turrentine Brokerage will have its experienced team of grape and wine brokers and analysts available all day Monday, and throughout the week, for comment and questions.