California table grapes had an intriguing first week of the season. The harvest in Mexico was less hefty and was harvested earlier than normal and resulted in an extremely active market as the California table grape season began. The demand has been high since the beginning, both in the US as well as internationally. “However at the harvest’s beginning during July became very hot, and we had the most intense period of extreme heat I’ve witnessed,” says Nick Dulcich of Pretty Lady Vineyards. In order to protect themselves they shut down the vines which delayed fruit development. The result was reduced sugar levels within the grapes. In addition to the fact that the heatwave slow the maturation but it also delayed picking because high temperatures created the window for picking to be smaller. the grapes.

Green Emerald seedless grapes.

Green Applause grape

“Fortunately that the heat wave is over and we are now enjoying cooler conditions. It’s a perfect time to be outside. It’s been beautiful in the past couple of weeks, but the evenings are more cool.” This means that the season is beginning to get underway. It is generally an atypically lighter harvest than usual the average, with yields varying depending on the type of grape. In the case of green grapes Pretty Lady is currently harvesting the Green Emerald variety. “We were forced to wait for that sugar level to go up for this kind of grape,” admitted Dulcich. “We have to pick the right grapes select, which is slowing the harvest.” Another variety of green grapes which is being picked at the moment is Applause(tm) Also known as Sugra54. “It’s an all-new variety that comes of Sun World. Applause is a large dimension and has a distinct musky flavor. The harvest for the leafy Autumncrisp(r) variation will begin.

Scarlet Royal and Red Applause(tm) is also referred to as Sugra60 is the red grape varieties that are currently harvesting and by September, Allison as well as Scarlotta(r) are expected to be in the market. The red grapes take longer to turn color, however, the sugar and quality levels are great for an tasting enjoyment.

Green and red Applause grapes.

The market for black grapes is very tightly

Looking at the black grapes. Harvest of midnight Beauty(r) is now complete as did Adora Seedless(r) is scheduled to be picked in the latter part of September. “The trends in the market for black wine is very different than in previous years” explained Dulcich. Because the demand for black grapes in Asia has slowed in recent years, the acreage was trimmed and, in the end that less grapes are readily available this year. “The quantity of black grapes within the San Joaquin Valley is lower than ever before,” he commented. “Normally the black grapes tend to be in low demand However, since the market is extremely tight the feeling is that there’s more demand in this particular year.” Even though the volumes are lower however, the quality is very good. This has been reflected in the strong price.

Strong demand

In the wake of California table grapes being less than average and the it taking longer for the grapes to ripen, Pretty Lady is concentrating on picking high-brix fruits that are of exceptional quality. “We have been waiting to harvest fruit until we can ensure that the good quality has been achieved as this could bring more customers to our shop for frequent purchases.” Although grapes take longer to be sold the demand for them is much more than normal, resulting in an ideal storm. “North America cherries were harvested in the early hours of January, when Northern Washington and British Columbia were hit by a cold snap during January. At present, there isn’t any cherry competition and the there is a strong demand for the grapes.”

The Central Valley California table grapes season is currently running for approximately eight weeks, the vast majority of the harvest has not yet be sold on the market. “Most the grapes will be sold between mid-September to December.”

Scarlet Royal variety.

For further information:

Nick Prosper Dulcich

Pretty Lady Vineyards

Tel: (+1) 661-792-6360

[email protected]

www.dulcich.com