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Wine Grape Prices in Napa Valley and Sonoma County 2022

After several years of short wine grape crops in Napa Valley and Sonoma County, wine grape prices are moving in the right direction.  As you can imagine, price increases for wine grapes bolsters regional real estate values.  The overall trend is positive.

Below is a snapshot of the weighted average grape prices paid in 2021 for the more popular wine grape varietals found in Napa and Sonoma Counties.  The numbers come from the California Annual Grape Crush Report.  These figures help guide pricing for grape purchase agreements between growers and wineries.

 

wine grapes napa and sonoma real estate

 

Popular varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are in strong demand across Napa and Sonoma. Areas like the Russian River and Sonoma Coast AVA’s are seeing increased activity, higher prices and desire for longer term grape purchase agreements.  The same can be said for Cabernet Sauvignon throughout the Napa Valley from the Coombsville AVA to Rutherford and up in mountain areas like Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder AVA’s.

Weighted Average Price Paid Per Ton For Wine Grapes in Napa Valley and Sonoma County

County AveragePrice Per Ton
Napa County
2021Trend202020192021 High2021 Low
Cabernet Sauvignon$8,082+$6,260$7,941$62,825$600
Pinot Noir$2,637-$2,647$2,773$9,517$1,500
Merlot$4,032+$3,217$4,055$29,527$1,200
Zinfandel$4,435+$4,007$4,339$8,350$500
Syrah$4,251+$3,686$4,086$8,836$1,800
Chardonnay$3,245+$3,028$3,032$12,500$1,200
Sauvignon Blanc$2,635+$2,453$2,485$7,250$1,000
Sonoma County
2021Trend202020192021 High2021 Low
Cabernet Sauvignon$2,728+$2,460$3,056$21,630$800
Pinot Noir$3,518+$3,147$3,949$18,634$200
Merlot$1,960+$1,590$2,000$21,482$400
Zinfandel$3,113+$2,624$2,737$19,164$400
Syrah$2,871+$2,472$2,812$8,468$100
Chardonnay$2,284-$2,311$2,414$15,000$450
Sauvignon Blanc$1,730+$1,554$1,814$5,719$800
*Source - Grape Crush Report Final 2021, California Department of Food and Agriculture

 

But currently, the strongest demand is for Sauvignon Blanc, a white grape that can be grown in high quantities compared to other varietals. Sauvignon Blanc has become increasing popular over the last several years as an easy drinking refreshing treat, perfect for warm summer evenings.  According to Ciatti Wine & Grape Brokers most other varietals are in demand as well.

That said we are headed into another season of drought, this multi year run of less than average rain fall has people nervous about water diversions from the Russian River and some lower producing groundwater wells.  That said, the dramatic rains of last fall and December did have some beneficial impact, especially to private water reservoirs.

For now, we are going to focus on the positive, conserve water, enjoy the strong demand for North Coast wine grapes and make the most of this growing season.  Last but not least we are going to enjoy wine country and everything it offers.

Cheers!

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