KICKING OFF HARVEST WITH BOZZANO & CO.
July certainly brought the heat, and with it came confirmation of what the industry had been predicting for weeks: harvest is underway, and in many cases, arriving early. As fruit began coming off the vine, buyer attention shifted decisively toward the 2025 whites, with purchasers moving quickly to secure volume before the window closed.
Sauvignon Blanc led the way, accounting for just over 21% of all sales in July. Pinot Grigio and other white blends followed close behind, making up another 18% and 15% of varietals moved during the month. Together, white wine activity dominated the market's attention as buyers positioned themselves ahead of harvest.
Outside of the whites, the picture shifted quickly. Cabernet Sauvignon demand, which had carried much of the market's momentum towards the end of Q2, cooled. In its place, Zinfandel stepped forward, moving a notable 10% of volume for the month.
As for harvest itself, most growers are reporting picking 2 to 4 weeks ahead of a typical year, though "average" tends to mean something different depending on who you ask. The consistent heat moving across nearly all four corners of California has raised real questions about how compressed this picking season could end up being. Crop yields are expected to run relatively light this year - and with El Niño conditions on the horizon, forecasting how weather will shape the remainder of the season, remains an open question.
We'll be watching closely as harvest accelerates and cellar space becomes the priority conversation across the industry. As always, we're here to help connect buyers and sellers as the market moves.
A MINI AVA SNAPSHOT
CENTRAL COAST
- Similarly to what we saw in 2025, Paso Robles AVA leads the charge, making up over 40% of all bulk sales since the beginning of 2026.
- Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon available bulk wine has increased by 26.5%, compared to August 2025.
- Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties account for just under 20% of bulk transactions this year, combined.
- Despite nearly doubling in available gallons YOY, SBC Pinot Noir pricing has remained strong, specifically in sub-AVAs.
NORTH COAST
- North Coast transactions have increased significantly since the start of Q2.
- Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for 50% of all North Coast sales, YTD.
- Within Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the market, accounting for over 80% of all Napa transactions this year.
- Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for nearly 60% of all available North Coast bulk wine.
- Excluding Napa Valley, the most prominent spot bulk varietals on the market are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Napa Valley sub-AVAs singlehandedly drive pricing when compared to Napa Valley spot bulk.
If you have any bulk wine or grape needs, or any questions before harvest is in full swing, please don't hesitate to reach out. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work with you and look forward to continuing to support your needs throughout harvest and beyond.
