Wine Spectator: California Breathes Sigh Of Relief On 2014 Harvest

For the men and women who make wine, perhaps no word is more packed with nervous anticipation than “harvest.” After months of spending time, sweat and money in their vineyards, it’s time to see what nature delivered. For California, 2014 brought another year of record-breaking drought. In the first of five 2014 vintage updates, Wine Spectator reports that California winegrowers up and down the coast are breathing a deep sigh of relief. While the state still suffers from drought conditions, which lowered yields in many spots, well-timed rains kept vines growing and a sunny summer and fall meant ripe grapes. Growers do fear what 2015 will bring, however—if the drought continues, shrinking groundwater could mean a horrible new year. For Wine Spectator’s full report on the California harvest, click here.

GET YOUR FIRST LOOK AT 2025 ESTIMATES AND 2030 PROJECTIONS FOR THE WINE AND SPIRITS INDUSTRIES. ORDER YOUR 2025 IMPACT DATABANK REPORTS. CLICK HERE.