Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/101495
CALIFORNIA Sonoma County���Yolo County VINTAGE 2012 In Amador County and other parts of the Sierra Nevada foothills, some growers struggled to find sufficient labor for harvest. Supply/demand: Yields, demand and prices were up for nearly every variety. Wineries took yield overages if they had tank space, initially at the original contract price. They also offered planting contracts, but nurseries warned of vine shortages. Logistics: Season-long labor shortages resulted in increased costs and more machine-picked acres. Rhonda Smith Farm advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension Sacramento, Solano AND Yolo counties Other regional designation: Clarksburg Most types of grapes were slightly above average in quantity with the exception of Pinot Noir, which came in below average for most growers. The quality of the fruit was excellent. Most varieties will produce the best wine in the past three years. Weather: The growing season was very close to perfect: many days in the low 90��s with nights in the mid-50��s. A few hot days in the 100��s caused some sunburn to the fruit. Harvest weather was mild without rain. Pest/Diseases: Powdery mildew was a concern early, however no significant damage was reported. Pest and disease pressure was much lower than the past two seasons. Technology/techniques: Prices for uncontracted fruit were up 10% to 20%. Demand was strongest in years. All fruit sold early, with most growers having multiple offers. Technology/techniques: Machine harvesting was used extensively due to difficulties finding labor. Logistics: Tank space was an issue, however, with such a large harvest. It was managed. Varieties: Petite Sirah benefited from the warm season. Pinot Noir struggled with sunburn and dehydration. Most whites had above-average tonnage with good quality Tim Waits President, Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vintners Association BA R A RC H I T E C T S Creating Exceptional Environments SEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #217 108 W in e s & V i ne s JANUARY 20 13 543 Howard Street San Francisco, California 415 293 5700 www.bararch.com Wineries Clubhouses resorts Custom homes SEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #828