WRAPPING UP Q2 AT BOZZANO & CO.
As we wrapped up the second quarter, two things remain clear: there is an abundance of high-quality bulk wine available, and a lack of buyers that are able to take advantage of the opportunities. Similar to the concept that there will never be a more opportune time to purchase vineyard ground at a discounted price, it is hard to fathom if there will ever be a better time to purchase bulk wine.
That said, the bulk wine market and the grape market have shown signs of life. Activity remained steady throughout the quarter, with April bringing some momentum in both bulk wine sales and production contracts before the market naturally eased into the summer months. Buyers are still actively sourcing inventory, but with a more selective approach, placing greater emphasis on quality, appellation, and long-term program fit.
That shift was especially noticeable in premium coastal regions. While Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon led much of the activity early in the quarter, interest in Pinot Noir continued to build as summer approached. Central Coast and Monterey County remained active sourcing regions, with buyers showing a clear preference for well-positioned coastal appellations.
Even as overall transaction volume softened later in the quarter, pricing held firm across several key categories. Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon remained relatively stable at approximately $8.00 per gallon, while Monterey Chardonnay saw some renewed demand, albeit with subtle increases from deeply discounted pricing. Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir continued to tighten, with weighted average pricing climbing from $12.49 per gallon in Q1 to $13.38 per gallon in Q2. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon presented an interesting contrast, as broader AVA pricing softened while demand for sub-AVA wines remained strong. Those premium appellations averaged $18.09 per gallon, compared to $11.72 per gallon for the broader Napa Valley AVA.
With harvest right around the corner, we're looking forward to seeing how the new vintage shapes the market. As fruit starts coming in and cellar space becomes a priority, we'll be keeping a close eye on new opportunities and helping connect buyers and sellers every step of the way.
Below outlines a general timeline of how the weighted average for top selling spot bulk wines had changed over the quarter's progression. Note that this includes all vintages, and all sub-AVAs.
GRAPE ACTIVITY UPDATES
Over the past few weeks, we have been out in the vineyards and getting a firsthand look at this year's crop. One thing we've been hearing consistently is that picking will begin a little earlier than usual, where it hasn't already. In fact, one of our local colleagues began harvesting Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir for sparking wine on June 30th. It seems reasonable that most areas on the Central Coast are at least three to four weeks ahead, with a light crop seeming likely. Some of our growers have suggested that the projected yields vary greatly, even throughout the same vineyard, and that this may be due to when specific blocks went through bloom in relation to rainfall that we had this spring. As the old saying goes, a light crop gets lighter, and that will surely help the current supply imbalance that we face.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Syrah continue to make up the bulk of the available inventory, and as growers finalize yields and wineries lock in their production plans, activity is expected to pick up quickly.
Whether you're marketing grapes or sourcing them, we're here to help. As harvest approaches, we're continuing to work closely with growers and buyers to connect the right fruit with the right programs. Reach out to discuss current availability and opportunities for the 2026 harvest.
