Noticeably improved market activity: Where and on what?
Bulk wine and grape activity levels since the turn of the year have been noticeably improved versus the final months of 2024, although much of the activity has consisted of inquiries rather than transactions. Publication in February of the CDFA’s preliminary 2024 harvest figure of 2.84 million tons - upped slightly to 2.88 million tons in the final report published March 10, but still the smallest in 20 years – failed to generate additional market momentum.
On the bulk market, the buyer pool remains shallow and activity is certainly not concerted enough to make a dent in overall inventory: Paid subscribers can view our updated bulk wine inventory graphs by volume and by varietal, and find out what wines are in demand, by reading the full California Report for March.
The grape market has experienced a smaller uptick in interest than the bulk market, likely in part because growers and grape buyers are waiting for the frost risk to pass and the 2025 crop potential to clarify. Budbreak, tentatively underway in early March, currently appears to be adhering to a normal timetable. The full California Report includes our latest vineyard health check.
From a buyer’s perspective, now is an opportune moment: Some highly attractive bulk wine and grape supplies are available for harnessing, either to boost existing programs or begin new ones. Some buyers are coming to appreciate, however, that the market’s low pricing is unsustainable for suppliers longer term, and are concerned about future availability if the mothballing and removal of vineyards continues at its present rate.
Paid subscribers can read the full Ciatti California Report for March, including the latest Saxco Update detailing how tariffs will affect beverage packaging materials, by hitting this button.
CALIFORNIA REPORT - MARCH 2025
If you are not yet a paid subscriber and would like access to the full report, including –
- actionable bulk wine and grape market intelligence
- our latest bulk inventory charts by volume and by varietal
- our bulk/grape market activity barometer
- the latest vineyard health check
- Saxco beverage packaging update
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