Texan vineyard acreage increasing, which could force prices down
An influx of new producers in Texas could result in higher prices and less competent growers being forced out of business.
This is according to Jim Kamas of AgriLife Extension who said that new growers have boosted vineyard acreage in the High Plains area in recent years, and many fledgling vineyards in the region were producing fruit for the first time.
“There are several hundred acres with young vines that will have quality grapes for the first time,” he told SFGate. “There are new growers getting into the game and as they get it figured out, they’re putting in more blocks of grapes as are numerous experienced growers.”
He added that the Texas wine sector could face lower grape prices due to the rise in acres and quality of grapes being produced. “We may be entering a phase where we see surplus grapes and less capable growers may find it difficult in that market,” he said. “The quantity and quality of Texas wine grapes is improving. There are more growers and they are becoming increasingly proficient at what they are doing and therefore more profitable.”
The Texan wine industry is expecting both the quantitiy and quality of its wine to hit new heights this year. Kamas said that while some producers faced concerns, overall grape growers are on track to produce a surplus of quality fruit.
Earlier in the year a frost caused headaches for producers across the state when vines broke dormancy early due to mild weather conditions. Spring brought its troubles too, with rain creating the perfect conditions for disease. However, most grape growers were aware of the threat posed by fungus and managed to keep it at bay.
“The high rainfall early meant some producers struggled to keep their grapes clean and then the hot dry weather set in and conditions were good,” said Kamas. “The early conditions were just something they had to endure, and most producers know what their weakenesses are.”
Gulf Coast wine grapes have already been harvested, and producers have reported average yields and good quality, while Hill Country harvests, where yields have been reported as above average are coming to a close.
North Texas vineyards managed to avoid frost and have performed well under wetter than normal conditions, and the majority of growers are experiencing large crops of very high quality.
Producers in the High Plains, meanwhile, have just begun picking their white grapes, and harvests will continue in the region over the next six to eight weeks.