LODI, Calif. — The California wine industry is facing significant challenges, as evidenced by recent layoffs at Bronco Wine Co. in Stanislaus County, which will affect at least 80 workers. This marks a new low in the ongoing downturn of the California winegrape market.
Despite these struggles, the Lodi community remains resilient, with the annual Wine and Chocolate Weekend proceeding as planned. The event continues to showcase the region’s diverse wine offerings, providing wineries with an opportunity to connect with consumers.
Eric Donaldson, owner of LVVR Sparkling Cellars, shared his optimism during the Winemakers Toast event on Sunday morning at Lodi’s Wine and Roses. “It’s great to see so many people embracing sparkling wines,” Donaldson said, standing alongside his booth. “It’s an opportunity to win over new wine lovers.”
Over 20 local wineries participated in the event, a food, wine, and chocolate pairing celebration hosted by the Lodi Winegrape Commission. Turlock resident Kam Dhesi, who attended the event, expressed his satisfaction with the selections available. “I’d take a bottle from every booth here,” Dhesi remarked. “There’s something for everyone.”
While the event was bustling with support, the realities of the wine industry’s struggles are not far from view. Stuart Spencer, executive director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, highlighted the tough economic conditions, pointing to vineyards that had not been harvested during the last season and are now being cleared. “The industry has been struggling,” Spencer explained. “Wine sales have been down the past couple of years.”
According to the latest data from the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s 2024 Grape Crush Report, the wine industry is grappling with a 20-year low in production. Spencer noted that the situation has worsened, citing the rise of cheap imported wines subsidized by the federal government. “It’s frustrating to see foreign wines filling grocery store shelves while local grapes remain on the vine,” he said.
In response to these challenges, Spencer urged consumers to pay close attention to wine labels. “When you buy wine, check where the grapes come from,” he advised. “Even wines labeled ‘Made in America’ or ‘American wine’ may contain up to 25% foreign grapes, which can undercut local growers. Look for wines labeled ‘Lodi’ or ‘California’ to support our industry.”
Event attendees took the message to heart. “It’s great to see wines from so close to home,” said Maricella Flores, who traveled from Mountain House to attend the Winemakers Toast. “We always ask, ‘Are you local?’ and prefer to buy bottles from local vendors.”
For local producers like Donaldson, every purchase counts. “Even if it’s just picking up a bottle from a tasting room or buying local wine at the grocery store, it makes a big difference,” he said.
As the local wine industry continues to face economic pressures, the community’s ongoing support remains crucial to its survival.
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