San Diego Co. Wine Sales Up 19%, Exceed $44M
The San Diego County Vintners Association, a trade organization dedicated to supporting the winemaking community in San Diego County, released the 2022 San Diego County Economic Impact of Wineries report that shows county wineries realized about $44.1 million in gross sales last year, a 19 percent increase from 2020 but not yet reaching the local winery industry’s all-time-high of sales in 2019 ($46.2 million). The number of active wineries in San Diego County also rose to 160 in 2021.
About 1,370 acres of vines were harvested in the region last year, producing 3,073 tons of wine grapes with a production value of $5.2 million. These figures are down from pre-pandemic 2019 when San Diego County vineyards harvested 3,596 tons of wine grapes, generating a $5.58 million production value, with a sales price of $1,552 per ton, a record amount achieved in the region. About 81% of growers surveyed reported excellent to good harvest quality, the strongest seen since 2016.
The top three varietals produced in the county last year retain their rankings from prior years – Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese, respectively, with Grenache and Merlot tied for fourth, and Chardonnay and Petite Syrah tied for fifth. This is the first time that a white wine varietal has appeared in the top five for regional varietals.
“Our wine industry continues to make great strides, especially in North County. I was a big supporter of keeping wineries open during the pandemic to keep these small businesses afloat. Local wineries are thriving despite the last few years of uncertainty, creating jobs, attracting tourism, and providing an important cultural industry in the county. It’s impressive,” said San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond.
Written by Vince Vasquez, independent economic analyst and executive director of the Policycraft Institute, the report relies on winery survey data, economic modeling software, California ABC licenses, and County records to calculate the economic health of the San Diego County wine industry.
“San Diego County is blessed to have outstanding wineries and dedicated vintners making a positive impact on our local economy. I am proud to represent many fantastic wineries in my district, whose exquisite grapes and exceptional service continue to put San Diego County on the map in the wine-making industry. By offering beautiful vineyards and delicious wines for all to enjoy, San Diego County’s wineries not only strengthen our economy, they build community,” said San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson.
The 160 active wineries in San Diego County today represent a 6 percent year-over-year increase. This figure is nearly twice the total number of wineries in neighboring Riverside County (87).
“San Diego County’s wine industry continues to make important contributions to our economy, history and culture. Our 200-year history of harvesting local grapes has promoted new job creation, amazing food, and entertainment venues as well as cultural amenities. As a member of the Assembly Select Committee on Wine, I am excited to advocate on behalf of our vibrant grape growing industry!” said California Assembly Member Marie Waldron.
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Southern Glazer’s Matches Employee Donations for Ukraine Relief
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will match 100 percent of all employee donations made to three charitable organizations supporting Ukraine relief during the next 90 days.
Southern Glazer’s has chosen to support World Central Kitchen, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere through its matching campaign for Ukraine relief. Employees are able to contribute through the company’s internal giving platform, VolunCheers Online, in order to be eligible for the donation match.
“Southern Glazer’s stands in support of the Ukrainian people,” said CEO Wayne E. Chaplin. “We are deeply saddened by the crisis and our hearts are with those who have been impacted by this terrible situation. Our family values represent a spirit of inclusiveness and giving back that is part of our cultural DNA, which is why we’ve chosen to support three organizations that have stepped in to provide much-needed aid. Our employees never hesitate to lend a helping hand in times of crisis, and we are happy to amplify their generosity through this campaign.”
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California Megadrought to Hit Wine Industry Hard
2021 presented an extraordinary level of soil water deficit and irrigation that could sometimes be ineffective due to the severity of the California megadrought, according to a new report on two =counties, Sonoma and Napa, conducted by Agrology.
“2021 data shows that dry farmed and irrigated vineyards managed to narrowly avoid destructive levels of water stress and those levels challenged even hearty dry-farmed vineyards,” said Adam Koeppel, co-F\founder and CEO. “With 2022 predicted to be the driest in 1,200 years, it’s imperative that growers be judicious in their use of irrigation water. Predictive Agriculture technology will help you optimize your water usage down to the drop.”
Agrology reported that up until harvest, soil moisture and water deficit impacts from the drought appeared significant across Napa and Sonoma. Soil Water Potential extremes of nearly -3,000 kPa were recorded at irrigated vineyards, and more than -5,000 kPa at dry farmed vineyards. For reference, the University of California recommends initiating irrigation at midday leaf water potential of 1,000-1,500 kPa, corresponding to pre-dawn soil water potential of 1,800-2,300 ko. This indicates that irrigation could not keep up with the drought. In addition, dry farming was challenged with a lack of micro nutrient delivery, as nutrients delivered via drip irrigation systems did not have enough water to reach deep root zones.
“Unfortunately growers now have to contend with the constant threats of a changing climate,” added Koeppel. “It’s imperative that growers can track and understand all important elements in realtime–from water to soil to smoke. We built Agrology to do just that. One system and one app to give growers a view into what’s happening in that moment and the near future.”
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