More California Grapes

WASHINGTON - Jul 12/07 - SNS -- California's all grape production is forecast at 6.18 million tons, up 7% from a year ago. Wine type grapes account for 53% of California's total production, raisin type grapes account for 34%, while the remaining 13% are table type grapes, according to the latest USDA crop production estimates.

Wine type grape production is forecast at 3.30 million tons, up 4% from the 2006 crop. Bloom occurred about a week ahead of normal for white varieties and a week and a half ahead for red varieties. Overall, bunch counts in the San Joaquin Valley are up from last year with the largest increases seen in Chardonnay, Muscat of Alexander, Barbera, and Zinfandel varieties.

Raisin type grape production is forecast at 1.86 million tons, up 13% from last year. Harvest for fresh use is underway in both the Coachella and San Joaquin Valleys. So far, weather conditions have been favorable and vines look good. An average to slightly above average crop is expected this year.

Table type grape production is expected to be 729,000 tons, up 7% from last year. Harvest of table type grapes for fresh use is also underway in both the Coachella and San Joaquin Valley. Conditions were dry during bloom for table type grapes in the Coachella Valley, resulting in an even, extended bloom. Berry quality has been very good.

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