Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/619725
82 WINES&VINES January 2016 conspicuously absent many morn- ings, and we experienced several periods of high relative humidity from tropical depressions that brought scattered rainfall to Napa during June and July. This was fol- lowed by a very dry (<5% relative humidity) period in early Septem- ber and very warm conditions throughout September and October. Harvest came early, fast and furi- ous. Overall crop quality was good, although tonnage was light. We're relieved to be experiencing cold weather with sporadic rainfall in November and December 2015. Pierce's disease incidence was very high, with some growers re- porting vine losses of up to 50% of vineyard blocks in highly suscep- tible areas. Strong and widespread esca symptoms; large vine mealy- bug populations early in the grow- ing season. Climatic conditions likely impacted pest and disease pressure. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY Numerous growers in the Paso Ro- bles, Calif., area reported losses of more than 50%, and some vine- yards were a total loss after the challenging spring and years of drought conspired to constrict yields. Ken Bray, president of the Independent Grape Growers of the Paso Robles Area, said members of the group from all over the ap- pellation reported yields that were significantly below normal. After a warm winter and unsettled spring, Bray said most growers were expecting to see diminished NAPA FERMENTATION SUPPLIES Contact us today! 575 ird St. Bldg. A Napa CA 94559 707-255-6372 | napafermentation@aol.com www.napafermentation.com Your One-Stop Shop Since 1983! How much were you affected by drought conditions? DROUGHT Reduced yields Could not produce a crop Was not an issue Minor impact Significant impact Grapes await processing on the crush pad of Acacia Vineyard. NAPA VALLEY VINTNERS CALIFORNIA