California’s crush in 2012 was a record high

California Vintners have reason to celebrate. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released new numbers showing California’s crush last year was a record high. The last big harvest was in 2005, but 2012 was an exceptional year, our largest harvest yet.

The tonnage of grapes harvested and the prices recorded for them set records last year. Seth Kunin, owner of Kunin Wines and Anacapa Vintners, says it’s been especially great for farmers who are coming off two short vintages.

Friday’s preliminary figures showing a record high of 4.3 million tons. The average price growers received for grapes across the state was up nearly 25 percent. Red wine grapes accounted for the largest share at more than two million tons, up nearly 20 percent. 2012’s harvest was not just about the quantity but the quality.

Coming off a great harvest, wine makers say we should see really good quality wine, more of it, and hopefully at a more affordable price.

NewsChannel 3 Reporter Shirin Rajaee reports.