Ciatti California Report - April 2025
Bulk market hesitantly active; grape demand slow
California’s bulk wine market was more active in the first quarter of this year than at any time in 2024, but has since slowed in the past four weeks or so, likely at least in part due to some softer-than-expected first quarter sales figures and also tariff uncertainty. Canada – the leading export market for US wine – has essentially been closed-off as a buyer since March, and the US administration’s early April announcements of the largest single imposition of tariffs in at least 70 years have led to economic jitters everywhere, the wine industry being no exception.
As this month’s Ciatti California Report states: “If nothing else, tariff developments are one more reason for a potential buyer to err on the side of sitting out the market for a little while longer.” The bulk market has continued to see some activity, whereas the grape market’s current sluggishness comes as something of a surprise given the limited size of the 2024 crop and the opportunities available.
Paid subscribers can view our updated bulk wine inventory graphs by volume and by varietal, and find out what wines and grapes are in demand, by reading the full California Report below.
They can also read our latest vineyard update, which is keeping a close eye on the number of unpruned vineyards around the state – easier to discern now that bud-break is a few weeks in. Taking into account the pace of the grape market and the pruning levels, this month we tentatively set out what sort of crop size we can expect this year. The cool and wet spring delayed bud-break by about one to two weeks, but the growing cycle is still within a normal range.
For the full Ciatti California Report for April, and Saxco Update detailing how tariffs are affecting beverage packaging sourcing and costs, paid subscribers can read on below.
If you are not yet a paid subscriber and would like access to the full report, including –
actionable bulk wine and grape market intelligence;
our latest bulk inventory charts by volume and by varietal;
our bulk/grape market activity barometer;
the latest vineyard update;
Saxco beverage packaging update;
– you can upgrade your subscription by clicking here.
Bulk wine suppliers are invited to list their wines with us and send in samples, so we are able to harness buyer interest as it arises. This applies to all wines, including 2024 red wines which should be listed with us even if they are not yet ready to sample, as we have been receiving inquiries about them. Suppliers can contact either Mark at +1 415 630 2548 / mark@ciatti.com or Michael at +1 415 630 2541 / michael@ciatti.com.
Grape growers are recommended to inform us now of what 2025 grapes they may have available, so we can match up supplies with buyers: Please contact Molly at +1 415 630 2416 / molly@ciatti.com.
Prospective buyers of bulk wine or 2025 grapes should reach out to our broker team by clicking the button below.