Mendocino Merlot Crush Falls to Six-Year Low
Mendocino County growers crushed 1,819 tons of merlot in the 2025 harvest, the smallest crush in at least six years.
California Wine News
Coverage of wine in California focuses on regional harvests, production trends, varietals and the industry that supports them. Reporting tracks how growers and winemakers respond to shifting conditions throughout the state.
Recent news
November 6, 2026
Michelin to Unveil Napa Valley Grapes SelectionThe restaurant and tire company will reveal its first Napa Valley wine estate ratings on April 23, 2027.
November 6, 2026
California Grape Holdings Fall to 11.3 Million PackagesUSDA cold storage data shows holdings dropped from mid-October levels as the 2026 season moves into storage.
October 28, 2026
Merry Edwards Named 2026 American Wine LegendWine Enthusiast honors the pioneering California winemaker in its annual Wine Star Awards program.
October 25, 2026
California Winery Shifts Focus to Dried Grape SnacksThe Wine RayZyn Co. converts wine grapes into snacks to combat oversaturation in the state wine market.
October 23, 2026
Prisoner Wine Company Offers Unshackled LineThe winery launched an approachable collection featuring Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
October 23, 2026
Napa Valley Wineries See International Tourism DeclineTrade tensions and new tariffs have disrupted international visitor numbers and cut off wine exports to Canada.
October 20, 2026
California Growers Remove 47,229 Acres of VineyardsThe state saw a significant reduction in winegrape acreage following a year of industry challenges.
October 16, 2026
California Firm Turns Wine Grapes Into RaisinsThe Wine RayZyn Co. processes excess grapes into dried snacks to help address industry-wide market saturation.
October 15, 2026
Winemaker Crafts Blend at 35,000 Feet for UnitedJesse Katz used high-altitude conditions to refine a new wine blend from California's Farrow Ranch.
October 9, 2026
California Grape Growers Faced Difficult HarvestFalling demand has forced some vineyard owners to compost excess fruit and remove their vines entirely.
More in Wine
This section follows vineyard health and yields, regional agricultural practices, tourism trends, and shifts in global export demand. It spans the agricultural hubs and the tasting rooms across the state, from the coast to the interior valleys. Specific regional climates and soil compositions create distinctive seasonal cycles that dictate how each vintage is reported. Water access and labor availability remain the two most consistent constraints affecting the long-term outlook for the industry.