NOVATO, CA--(Marketwire - February 9, 2009) -
WHAT: The California Department of Food and Agriculture's Preliminary
Grape Crush Report for 2008 is a critical barometer for the wine
and grape industry, containing prices and tons of wine grapes
crushed during the 2008 harvest. The Crush Report gives growers
and wineries insight into the inventory position for the
California wine business as a whole and influences market
dynamics for the upcoming 2009 harvest.
WHEN: CDFA is scheduled to release the Grape Crush Report at Noon,
Tuesday, February 10, 2009.
ANALYSIS: The harvest of 2008 comes at a time of great economic turmoil
in the United States. The light harvest, while a blessing
because it prevents the buildup of oversupply during a
challenging sales environment, presents difficulties for
growers because of decreased cashflow. Despite the uncertain
economic times, the historically recession-resistant nature
of wine and very limited recent plantings of grapes are likely
to mean a prolonged period of relative shortage is on the
horizon.
WHO: Turrentine Brokerage, California's largest winegrape brokerage,
is available to provide comment and analysis on this report and
its probable impact on growers, wineries and consumers.
Turrentine Brokerage will have its experienced team of grape and
wine brokers available all day Tuesday and through the week for
comment and questions.
CONTACT: Brian Clements: (707) 495-8151 - specialty - grapes from all of
California, especially Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties
Steve Fredricks: (415) 847-0603 - specialty - grapes and bulk
wine from all of California and around the world
Bill Turrentine: (415) 209-9463 - specialty - grapes and bulk
wine from all of California and economic analysis
Erica Moyer: (209) 988-7334 - specialty - grapes from the San
Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys and the Central Coast
Matt Turrentine: (805) 312-1828 - specialty - grapes from the
Central Coast.
Contact Information: Contact: Brian Clements (707) 495-8151 Steve Fredricks (415) 847-0603 Bill Turrentine (415) 209-9463 Erica Moyer (209) 988-7334 Matt Turrentine (805) 312-1828