2007 Preliminary Grape Crush Report
Crush District 3, Sonoma and Marin Counties, harvested 8.6% few tons in 2007 than in 2006, but an average price increase of 4.7% (Table 10) helped offset some of the tonnage decline for some growers. The average price was $2081/T (Table 6), topping $2000 for the first time since 2002. Grape sales totaled $411,445,000 or $19 million less than in 2006.
The table below provides tonnage, percentage change from 2006, average price, percentage change from 2006, and dollar value for the 6 leading varieties, which account for 89% of grape sales:
| Variety | Tons | % Change | Average Price | % Change | Dollar Value |
| Chardonnay | 58,456 | -5.7% | $1868 | +7.4% | $108,143,600 |
| Sauvignon Blanc | 10,840 | -19.5% | $1487 | +2.6% | $16,455,120 |
| Cabernet Sauv | 41,302 | +7.5% | $2245 | -0.9% | $92,722,990 |
| Merlot | 21,295 | -18.1% | $1451 | -5.2% | $30,899,045 |
| Pinot Noir | 29,354 | -23.7% | $2831 | +12.9% | $83,101,174 |
| Zinfandel | 14,460 | -13.3% | $2377 | +2.9% | $34,371,420 |
Information on all varieties and crush districts can be downloaded here.
Clearly demand is strong for Sonoma County Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, leading to good price increases. Essentially all varieties other than Merlot have come into balance. While Cabernet Sauvignon prices declined slightly, recent buying interest in Cabernet Sauvignon suggests it too is coming into balance and prices should begin increasing. Given declining Merlot acreage and slow growth in Merlot wine sales on a very large base, Merlot demand should soon pick up, hopefully in 2008.
A more complete analysis of the 2007 Preliminary Grape Crush Report data along with recent market research with the wine trade will be presented at the February 26 Smart Marketer Seminar.
Start time will be 6:30 (location TBD). In addition, Dennis Goldstrand, Goldstrand Planning Group will present "The Myths and Realities of Estate Planning for Vineyard Managers".