It’s that time of year again, wine grape price information is in for Sonoma County and Napa Valley. Each year, the California Department of Food and Agriculture releases the Annual Grape Crush Report. This report breaks down grape pricing across 17 districts throughout the state, detailing contracted prices paid for various wine grape varietals — from the lowest to the highest — as well as the average price per ton.
pinot-noir-wine-grapes
Growers and wineries rely on this report to set pricing in wine grape purchase agreements. Many of these contracts reference the average price per ton from the Crush Report for a specific varietal, with adjustments made above the district average for premium-quality grapes.
Below is a chart showing the average price paid for popular varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay in Napa and Sonoma counties. At first glance, prices appear to be on the rise.
California Wine Grape Crush Report for 2024
| County Average | Price Per Ton | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Napa County | ||||||
| 2024 | Trend | 2023 | 2022 | 2024 High | 2024 Low | |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | $9,145 | + | $9,080 | $8,813 | $69,125 | $200 |
| Pinot Noir | $2,942 | + | $2,867 | $2,815 | $50,000 | $200 |
| Merlot | $4,746 | + | $4,721 | $4,525 | $49,089 | $200 |
| Zinfandel | $4,739 | + | $4,666 | $4,581 | $9,593 | $1,000 |
| Syrah | $5,191 | + | $5,018 | $4,658 | $23,379 | $1,000 |
| Chardonnay | $3,790 | + | $3,600 | $3,555 | $60,000 | $500 |
| Sauvignon Blanc | $3,265 | + | $3,165 | $2,930 | $9,763 | $200 |
| Sonoma County | ||||||
| 2024 | Trend | 2023 | 2022 | 2024 High | 2024 Low | |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | $2,917 | + | $2,882 | $2,966 | $18,190 | $400 |
| Pinot Noir | $3,891 | + | $3,843 | $3,708 | $22,545 | $200 |
| Merlot | $2,196 | + | $2,156 | $2,113 | $10,000 | $400 |
| Zinfandel | $3,224 | - | $3,421 | $3,335 | $11,100 | $175 |
| Syrah | $3,342 | + | $3,289 | $3,038 | $8,000 | $500 |
| Chardonnay | $2,590 | + | $2,556 | $2,439 | $15,000 | $400 |
| Sauvignon Blanc | $2,025 | - | $2,034 | $1,921 | $7,173 | $500 |
As I’ve noted in past years, the Grape Crush Report doesn’t always reflect the true state of the wine grape market. That’s because it only accounts for grapes sold under contract — it does not include spot market sales or grapes that went unsold. This year in particular highlights a stark contrast between reported averages and the reality many growers are facing.
To offer more context, the following three charts are based on a grower survey conducted by Wine Business Monthly. These charts suggest a much softer market than the Crush Report implies — the softest in years, in fact.
Source: WINEBUSINESSS MONTHLY VINEYARD SURVEY, WINE BUSINESS ANALYTICS
In the chart above, growers were asked: Did you sell your 2024 crop at less than average price? The chart indicates the percentage of “Yes” responses. The feedback indicates that 45% of Sonoma County growers and just over 50% of Napa Valley growers sold at least some of their wine grape crop for less than the average price for their district.
Source: WINEBUSINESSS MONTHLY VINEYARD SURVEY, WINE BUSINESS ANALYTICS
In the chart above the question posed growers was: How much of your 2024 crop sold for less than average? The feedback in this chart shows that growers answered that just over 30% of their total crop sold for less than average price in Sonoma County. In Napa County growers said that 25% of their total crop sold for less than average price. The thing to keep in mind here is that it is likely that most of the fruit that was sold for less than average was sold on the spot market, and not reflected in the grape crush report.
Source: WINEBUSINESSS MONTHLY VINEYARD SURVEY, WINE BUSINESS ANALYTICS
In this chart the question was: How much of your 2024 crop were you unable to sell? Here we can see that growers in Sonoma County answered that just over 30% of their crop went unsold while over in Napa County the number was slightly less at 25% unsold. This is the really key part where pricing data is skewed in comparison to the grape crush report. Quite simply, the grape crush report does not account for unsold fruit and the pressure that puts on spot market sales.
The bottom line? The market is weak, and the industry is actively working to reduce non-productive vineyard acreage in order to restore balance between supply and demand. We are working through the excess and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A buyer is likely to find rare opportunities that do not exist in normal times.
The key takeaway: The Grape Crush Report remains a valuable tool, especially in a balanced market. However, in times of imbalance — like now — it must be interpreted alongside broader market indicators to provide a true picture of grape pricing.
Cheers!
Some additional articles that might be helpful:
Top Pinot Noir Vineyard Sites in Sonoma County
Going Coastal In Sonoma County
Real Estate, Wine and A Little Bit of Charm 2025
Exploring the Cote d Or in Burgundy
What is a vineyard really worth? It depends.
Looking to Buy A Winery, Start Here
If you are serious about your wine country search, please contact us today. Last but least, here is link to more local resources.
It goes without saying that the vineyard, wine grape and wine industry has an impact on real estate in Napa Valley, Sonoma County and all other wine regions. Be sure to check back often to read current and past wine country real estate and wine industry news. Sourced from industry experts to keep you informed.... Read more
Wine Grape Price Information Is In — But Is It a Mirage? It’s that time of year again, wine grape price information is in for Sonoma County and Napa Valley. Each year, the California Department of Food and Agriculture releases the Annual Grape Crush Report. This report breaks down grape pricing across 17 districts […]... Read more
When it comes to top-tier California Pinot Noir, Sonoma County takes center stage. While Carneros once held the spotlight, the focus has shifted westward to regions like the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Fort Ross–Seaview.... Read more
The legendary Burgundy France. Impressive history, incredible food, gorgeous scenery, friendly people, amazing Pinot Noir & Chardonnay wines.... Read more
Living in Sonoma County wine country can be like winning the lifestyle lottery. Imagine waking up in a place where world-class Pinot Noir vineyards grace the hillsides, and the only nuisance you will experience is a flock of gobbling turkeys loitering outside your window at their own slow, leisurely pace. But the true beauty of […]... Read more
Throughout the year you can check back here to see any notable publicized vineyard and winery sales in 2025. The various sales and transactions are not only interesting but may also point to trends that can impact real estate in Napa, Sonoma and other wine country regions. See 2024 Notable Vineyard and Winery Sales Here […]... Read more
Russian River Valley For the last quarter century, I have had the pleasure of calling Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley home. During that time, I have witnessed the region go from an “under dog” reputation to world-class status. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards are some of the most sought after in California […]... Read more
Throughout the year you can check back here to see any notable publicized vineyard and winery sales in 2024. The various sales and transactions are not only interesting but may also point to trends that can impact real estate in Napa, Sonoma and other wine country regions. See 2025 Notable Vineyard and Winery Sales Here […]... Read more
Based on the grape crush report it would appear Napa Valley and Sonoma County wine grape prices continue their upward climb as we enter 2024. The one exception is Sonoma County Cabernet which noted a very modest drop from the previous year.... Read more
The Russian River Appellation Neighborhoods are known for growing some of the most sought after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards in the world. ... Read more
Are you considering a move to wine country? Does the image of rolling hills, rows of vineyards in a bucolic setting come to mind? If so, purchasing a home, vineyard, or winery real estate may be your next step. Buying and selling wine country real estate isn't always black and white.... Read more