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January 2018 WINES&VINES 63 along rivers and creeks, with many vineyards under some water until March; some blocks remained inun- dated until early June. Bud break was only three days early. Vine vigor was very strong from heavy rains and a warm, mild spring. Spring was warm and very dry. Days were warm and nights about average; no morning dew was pres- ent most of the year, and windy days were common. For about 25 days, the daily high temperature hit 100° F (the average is 17 days). Most of these were during three scattered heat waves. Light rain Oct. 19 did not stall harvest. Grow- ing degree-days numbered 4,052, slightly above average. Powdery mildew pressure was widespread with some scattered but severe problems, especially in the Delta. Mites came on very late—some severe, but also scat- tered. Vine mealybug populations were late and light compared to the two previous years. Sour rot or summer bunch rot was more severe than average, especially in Zinfan- del for red programs. Symptoms of trunk canker disease complexes were less evident this year, possibly with reduced stress on vines from good winter rains recharging soils. Concerns grow about increasing incidence of grape viruses including grapevine red blotch, leafroll viruses and fanleaf virus in district and statewide sources of vines. Prices were mostly static but soft- ened for some varieties such as red Zinfandel and any blocks without a contract. Contract minimums were offered or very low offers for un- signed fruit from $250 to $350 per ton. Most other prices were stable: on average between $400 and $800 per ton, depending on variety. Mus- cat types, Chardonnay and espe- cially Cabernet or any quality reds for blends were wanted. Almost all grapes were harvested, but a few blocks were left after late-October rains. There was new interest in Ter- oldego, Tempranillo and Petite Sirah; some Chenin Blanc and "newer" varieties such as Vermentino, Mon- tepulciano, Nero d'Avola, etc. The year saw a dramatic increase in interest for high-wire cordon trel- lising systems for machine-pruned vines, new spray technology and evapotranspiration (ET)/soil-mois- ture monitors, surface renewal analysis for ET analysis and GPS mapping. Safety equipment and materials to meet new laws were also a focus. There was more need and demand for regulatory compli- ance consulting and/or "voluntary" sustainability programs. Regulatory costs continued to soar; labor cost and availability were both major concerns. Fuel costs were one of the few inputs to decrease; most all other costs were up. There were new water coalition and heat stress rules, restrictions on pesticide use and establishment of local agen- cies for the Sustainable Ground Water Act introduced to growers. Lodi was competitive for quality wines of value and receiving more recognition. More small wineries have been established. Some con- If yields were reduced, which of the following had the most effect? YIELD REDUCTION REASON Weather Other Vine disease Fire and/or smoke CALIFORNIA Pests VINTAGE 2017 WonderfulNurseries.com 661.758.4777 Visit Us at the Unified Symposium Booth #1520 SERVING THE WINE, TABLE GRAPE, RAISIN AND PISTACHIO INDUSTRIES IF YOU WANT THE BEST, BUY FROM THE BEST. Every day, Wonderful Nurseries follows the philosophy that testing is believing. It's why we confidently offer the cleanest vines in the industry. In line with our "Growers First" philosophy, we have designed every element of our advanced processes & facilities to bring our grower partners peace of mind. This includes our intensive vine testing program, with 100% scion testing for internal mother blocks annually. Our in-house ISO Certified testing lab and built-in safeguards help accomplish this task. When it comes to getting the best in value, selection and cleanliness, Wonderful Nurseries delivers every time, vine after vine. RELY ON THE INDUSTRY'S CLEANEST VINES – 100% TESTED MOTHER BLOCKS © 2017 Wonderful Nurseries LLC. All rights reserved. WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL NURSERIES and the accompanying logos are trademarks of Wonderful urseries LLC or its affiliates. P.O. Box 279, 27920 McCombs Ave., Wasco, California 93280