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