VINTAGE 2013
Merced and Mariposa
This was an uneventful year in Merced
County, which was nice. Everything got
sold. Wine grapes continue to be planted,
but not to the extent of almonds. Groundwater over-drafting issues are becoming a
source of concern for permanent crop
growers in many areas.
In Mariposa County there were no problems selling grapes this year. Ripening can
be scary in the upper elevations, but this
year presented no problem at all. Some
growers had higher yields and some
lower, but in all cases maturity was fine.
Wineries reported that the grapes looked
and tasted better this year.
acci /
Napa V
alley Vintners
See us at Unified booth #1716
J ason Tin
Pests/diseases: Pest issues were moderate
and easily managed. There was very little
rot, which in some cases was due to wineries asking growers to leave heavier
crops, which can lead to looser bunches. I
was surprised at how heavy the wineries
were asking growers to crop young
blocks. It was fortuitous that we had such
a good year. We have not spotted the
brown marmorated stink bug in Merced
County yet, but pest control advisors
A cellar worker shovels pomace from a stainless steel tank.
Win es & Vin es ja n ua ry 20 14 113
