Valley wine producers adapt as consumption drops and costs rise

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The caller rainfall has not been troublesome for vale winegrape growers.

Jeff Bitter heads Allied Grape Growers, a statewide selling cooperative representing 500 growers.

"A small spot of a passing tempest done April isn't going to wounded us," Bitter says.

With request for vino falling, we're seeing important changes impacting section vineyards.

"The past 2 years, we've seen astir 40,000 acres successful the authorities pulled retired each year, of vino grapes," helium says.

More than fractional of those acres were successful Central California.

"There's a batch of headwinds successful the vino manufacture close now," Bitter said.

Bitter cites changing habits among younger drinkers.

"Their depletion of intoxicant is decidedly astatine little levels than successful the past," helium says. "It's been a small spot of an uphill conflict to differentiate vino and marque definite that the user knows that, successful moderation, it is steadfast for you."

Bitter says that volition beryllium portion of a selling push, but the system has besides wounded the industry.

"Wine isn't a inexpensive merchandise to buy," helium says. "Regardless of what terms constituent you're buying it at, it's not cheap."

He adds the vino manufacture could payment from tariffs, "One successful each 3 wines consumed successful the United States is imported."

Bitter goes connected to say, "It's hard for america to vie connected price. Our costs successful California are importantly higher than successful astir wine-producing countries."

Just 10% of wines produced successful California are exported to different countries.

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