> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://bevnews.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# 3 Vineyard Experts Think Calif.'s Winegrape Supply Could Quickly Come Up Short
- URL: https://bevnews.net/3-vineyard-experts-think-calif-s-winegrape-supply-could-quickly-come-up-short/
- Published: 2026-10-06T03:19:58.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-06T03:19:58.000Z
- Author: Joel Whitaker

There an interesting story in Monday's San Francisco Chronicle. Three vineyard experts think California's winegrape supply could quickly turn into a shortage – perhaps as early as 2017.

The first is Peter Ekman, who has led Spring Mountain Vineyard (the site of the 1980's CBS-TV drama "Falcon Crest") since it was bought out of bankruptcy by a New York investment firm, argues growers have already removed enough vineyards to meet the lowered demand for wine.

He estimates the amount of productive vineyard land in California may fall to between 400,000 and 420,000 acres by year-end.

"There’s going to be demand for your grapes in 2027\. I’m willing to bet the house on it,” he says.

Jeff Bitter, president, Allied Grape Growers, thinks Eckman is a bit optimistic. He says the number of productive vineyards has to drop below 400,000 before there will be equilibrium. But its "not an incorrect statement" to say California is nearing a balance between grape-bearing acres and current demand. 

Glenn Proctor, a partner in Ciatti, wine and grope bokers, thinks "There’s a pretty high chance we’re going to overshoot it. We’re probably going to remove too many, and we won’t figure it out until later.” 

If a shortage does develop, Proctor says, Califonia's 35 million gallons of bulk wine could temporarily fill the gap between demand for wine and a narrowed grape supply.