A lot has changed; the world has changed. |
After two bad years it was hard to get your eyes focused on what we really had for a crop in 2005. |
For consumers, a big crop like this tends to stabilize wine prices. For growers, it may slow the rebound in prices for red grape varietals, except pinot noir, which remains in tight supply compared to the strong demand. |
Growers will need to apply sprays to eradicate the mildew, but it has to dry out a bit first. |
I don't have any problem with it. It may not be the largest in volume in the state, but the old vines have the longest tradition of the major varietals. |
I don't think the minimum wage change would have a lot of impact on grape growers. |
If it remains warm, no problem. But if we have a cycle where we go back to the normal spring weather ... and you get below freezing, that's a real risk. |
If this bill is approved, it will make sure consumers are informed and not misled in any way. Wine labels are confusing enough. This a step in ending some of the consumer confusion. |
It could accelerate early bud break. |
Napa has had a consistent message, earning the brand equity that comes with the Napa Valley name. |
The additional $120 million earned this year makes up for what growers lost the previous two years, bringing them to the break-even point. |
Their presence here is substantial and I expect it to continue to be. |
There's certainly been a lot of vines under water, but they've been under water before. |
You don't mess with your brand without having a good reason. If it wasn't performing to their expectations, maybe they thought a fresh look and a little redesign would be a good move. |