The Latest State of Grapes — a Many-Splendored Crop

It’s no secret the wine grape business has gotten far tougher in recent years, as wine consumption — actually all alcohol consumption — is down worldwide. It came as little surprise, then, to see that nearly 30% of wine grape growers answering the 2025 State of the Fruit and Nut Industry survey are decreasing production this year.

Those are the growers who sounded off in the survey when we asked why they were introducing or discontinuing the crop.

“The wineries are not offering contracts for fruit,” states one. “Some contracts have expired,” writes another, adding: “Wine consumption is very low.”

Growers of table, juice or other grapes are faring much better, with very few decreasing production in the coming year.

Climate Concerns

Many grape growers are concerned with global warming, so the survey inquired about how many climate-related issues, such as heat waves and floods, concerned them, and how they are coping.

One grower dismisses the issue out of hand. “Proponents of catastrophic global warming (an utter scam) have cost the industry dearly, and your publication should not squander your credibility by participating in this farce.”

He was alone in dismissing science, however. Many others respond along these lines: “We are exceptionally intentional about variety and site selection. This allows us to grow our wine grapes in a sustainable manner.”

Or this: “Use biologicals to reduce plant stress, increase composting, and reduce tillage.”

Another popular vein: “Application of plant stress products. Keeping plants hydrated. Stay on top of pest pressures. Don’t compromise plant health to cut costs.”

Sophisticated growers are using high-tech approaches. “Continue to monitor, we use drones to capture images of areas that are not producing,” states one grower. “Farming is a tough business with costs rising and regulation constant, one way (to cope) is good farming practices that result in good yields.”

Although some growers take a simpler approach. “The muscadine vines were here long before me,” writes one grower. “All I do is fertilize, and they work out on their own.”

And some just go with the flow. “Swing with the issues in front of you,” sums up one.

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Click here to check out more insights from the 2025 State of the Fruit and Nut Industry report.