Hey all,
I have been out of the biz for nearly six years now, but I moved into a small house in Vallejo last summer and I now have a garage. So I was thinking that this year I could use it for it’s intended purpose-making a bit of wine.
Since there is a downturn in the wine industry, I thought it might be easier to find some not expensive grapes this year. I was thinking about a couple of 55 gal Brutes. I am putting my feelers out here because most of the people I still know in the business wouldn’t want to deal with someone who just wants a paltry amount. I am mainly interested in Rhône varieties or maybe a nice field blend. Any leads would be greatly appreciated!
If you have a friend to help you pick the fruit, you won’t have any trouble getting grapes. Depending on the variety and cluster size it’ll be pretty easy. There’s going to be SO much unpicked fruit this year.
I’m not sure if this would help or not.
You can also piggyback a pick, so the crew is already there.
There are a lot of smaller volume urban wineries in the east bay and SF. With good relations and networking you could share a pick or learn about smaller sources.
Some regions have good classifieds. In the Santa Cruz Mountains there’s VASCM, which is a viticultural association for both commercial and home growers, so some of what becomes available is tiny quantities as the entire crop. You could also post a classified there ISO.
The best grape listing for home winemakers in my area went away with the wine supply shop that hosted it, but if you’re interested in driving down to Gilroy for Portuguese grapes, I got a guy.
Yeah, I’ll look in the classifieds if I have to. I’d rather meet “the guy” first. ![]()
Pick the grape grower who likes art
!!!
I was thinking about that! Grapes for a portrait!
Bump for grapes!
Any luck Linda?
Not yet!
I have been contacted before from these lists and have accommodated home winemakers for ends of rows or unpicked if its not too much hassle
Napa: https://winegrapemarket.org/
Sonoma: Grapes Archives - Sonoma County Winegrowers
Lake COunty: Grape Marketplace | Lake County Winegrape Commission
Thanks! I actually found some, but if there are more available I’ll check them out. Thanks!