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Growers and economists testify that California faces widespread vineyard removals and deep price pressure

California State Senate, Select Committee on California's Wine Industry · March 12, 2026
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Summary

Growers, economists and association representatives told a Senate select committee that falling demand, cheaper imports and rising production and compliance costs have led to large vineyard removals and unharvested fruit; witnesses urged regulatory review and transitional support.

At a Sacramento Select Committee hearing in Napa, growers and economists described a severe market collapse for table wine and grape fruit that has prompted widespread vineyard removal.

Chris Bitter, a wine economist who said he works for American AgCredit, told the committee that California wine sales have fallen about 25% since 2019 and that imports and falling exports magnify the problem. He said LA Grape…

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