Yield estimates are still a little difficult to assess with this year’s crop as the bloom period draws to a close and fruit sets.

“There’s no really good estimate on yields yet,” says Nick Frey, president of the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission in Santa Rosa, Calif. “I think overall the crop will be down from last year, but yields are variable. Frost, high winds and heat have all affected set and yield to some extent. We had 198,000 tons last year in the county. If we hit 190,000 tons this year, I would be happy.”

The wine glut has passed and prices are starting to come back.

“Prices will be up on average which will help, but that also varies by variety,” Frey says. “Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the strongest. Cabernet Sauvignon is coming back too.”