201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato, CA, United States of America, 94949
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Ciatti California Market Report, April 2024
March was wetter and cooler than average across California. Continued rainfall helped keep frost at bay, with no serious damage reported, and Sierria Nevada snowpack was at 110% of normal as of April 1st. As March turned to April, some Coastal vineyards at higher elevations received a sprinkling of snow, near-freezing overnight temperatures were expected in some pockets, and there was some hail, but – for the time of year –vineyards experienced nothing out of the ordinary. The growing cycle appears to be ahead of last year, with bud-break occurring at a more normal time, welcome considering the lateness of the 2023 growing season.
According to viticultural climatologist Gregory V. Jones, April has an equal chance of being slightly wetter or drier than average, and an equal chance of being slightly warmer or cooler. While grape growers and buyers wait to see how the month pans out, the grape market continues to be quiet, and unless April brings a significant weather event, we expect the cautious pace of grape contracting to continue, given the challenging wine sales context.
The bulk market, meanwhile, continues to proceed slowly but steadily. Bulk inventory is building as more 2023 wines become available, and is larger now than at this stage of last year, not only on Cabernet but also – among others – Chardonnay (assisted by a 24% uptick in output between 2022 and 2023) and Pinot Noir. Zinfandel demand is flat, and its inventory stable, despite a 26% decline in its crop size. Latest data from SipSource suggests continued retailer/distributor destocking of wine inventory due to lack of need – with wine depletions down 8.6% in the December 2023-February 2024 period – and forecasts an improved performance in March and April only because of very soft 2023 comparables. SipSource said that, with interest rates remaining high, it did not expect retailers to increase the inventory that they hold, “but a strong consumer pull would ease our pain”.
In the meantime, many in the wine industry are struggling for cashflow and we are hearing of more issues related to delayed payments. Wine businesses are carrying out rightsizing and some growers are grafting over or pulling out vines, leasing out land for other agriculture, or putting their operations up for sale. Grape and bulk wines suppliers are showing flexibility in accommodating potential buyers and getting creative in order to help lure in interest.
Read on for a detailed assessment of the bulk wine and grape markets and – for the most up-to-the-minute information – get in touch with Ciatti directly. The broker team stands ready to draw on its decades of experience to help navigate buyers and sellers alike through the present challenges, and beyond.
About
With 8 offices world wide, Ciatti serves our clients with the most up-to-date and accurate market information available. Please contact us with any questions. We are truly at your service.
Greg Livengood
President, Partner and Broker
Greg joined Ciatti in 1994 and became a partner in 1997. Greg has used his degree in International Relations to build Ciatti into the world recognized leader in the alcohol beverage business. Greg is currently the President and CEO of the company and drives the international group.
Email:greg@ciatti.com
Steve Dorfman
Partner and Broker
Steve Dorfman joined Ciatti in 2007 after working with the Brown-Forman Corporation, Fetzer Vineyards, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards and Bolla Wine brands for 24 years. His primary responsibilities are wine and grape sales within California, and the supply demands of markets throughout Europe, South Africa and Australia.
Email:steve@ciatti.com
John Ciatti
John White
Partner and Broker
Ciatti has a long history of seeking to provide clients with a well rounded team of brokers whose experience in the industry cover the breadth of the business. John joined the company in 2003 after working as a Winemaker for several of California's major producers for 20 years. John's emphasis is maintaining relationships with California wineries ranging from the largest to the smallest. John has focused on all aspects of growth within the business, from long-term custom crush contracts to spot bulk wine and grape sales. His speciatly is the sourcing and selling of premium varietal lots from the coastal and interior regions of California.
Email:johnw@ciatti.com
Chris Welch
Partner and Broker
Chris Welch joined Ciatti in 1994, and began brokering bulk wine and grapes in 2003 and became a partner in company in 2007. The premium and super premium segment of the California wine industry are the breeding grounds of innovation and where Chris truly excels. His consistent approach helps small and medium size wineries and negotiants achieve the innovation and growth they seek. Chris also works very closely with the Oregon Wine Industry.
Email:chris@ciatti.com
Glenn Proctor
Partner and Broker
Glenn Proctor joined Ciatti in 2003 and became a partner in 2007. Glenn advises wineries on supply positioning and works closely with growers and wineries in marketing their grapes and wine. He specializes in spot and contract bulk wine and grapes sales from all regions of California. He has over 23 years of experience in wine supply strategy, wine-grape quality improvement, brand strategy, and business development. Glenn was previously the Vice President of Winegrowing for Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines, and before that was a Director at Benziger/Glen Ellen Winery during its rapid growth in the early 1990's.
Email:glenn@ciatti.com
Broker
Johnny Leonardo joined Ciatti in 2004 as a broker and knows that surviving in a dynamic wine industry requires one to be a Jack-of-all-Trades. He has experience in all aspects of winery and vineyard operation, from the field to the street. Johnny has developed and managed vineyards, and worked in wine sales and marketing.
Email:johnny@ciatti.com
Andy Bivona
Broker
Andy joined Ciatti as a broker in 1996. His areas of expertise and responsibility include grape and fruit concentrates, beverage and industrial alcohol, fruit alcohol and brandy, and food specialty products. Andy's knowledge of these products has allowed him to branch out and work throughout various parts of the world including Mexico, South America and Europe. Andy remains a wealth of knowledge and offers a creative approach to all endeavors.
Email:abivona@hvc.rr.com
Todd Azevedo
Broker
Todd Azevedo joined Ciatti in 2004 after completing his Agricultural Finance degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Although Todd brokers wine, grapes, and wine products throughout the state of California, Todd's focus is on the California Central Coast.
Email:todd@ciatti.com
Mark Ishimaru
Customer Account Representative - North America
Joined Ciatti in 2011.
Email: mark@ciatti.com
Molly Richardson
Customer Account Representation - Grower Accounts
Joined Ciatti in 2016
Email: Molly@ciatti.com
Administrative/Accounting Assistant
Joined Ciatti in 2000.
Email:alette@ciatti.com
Michael FungCustomer Account Representative - Sample Room
Joined Ciatti in 2013.
Email: michael@ciatti.com
Contact
Contact List
| Title | Name | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partner/Broker | John Ciatti | john@ciatti.com | 4152640762 | |
| Partner/Broker | Steve Dorfman | steve@ciatti.com | 7073213843 | |
| Partner/Broker | Greg Livengood | greg@ciatti.com | 4154975032 | |
| Partner/Broker | Glenn Proctor | glenn@ciatti.com | 7073370609 | |
| Partner/Broker | Chris Welch | chris@ciatti.com | 4152988316 | |
| Partner/Broker | John White | johnw@ciatti.com | 4152500685 | |
| Broker | Todd Azevedo | todd@ciatti.com | 4152656943 | |
| Broker | Johnny Leonardo | johnny@ciatti.com | 4157174438 | |
| Broker | Dennis Schrapp | dennis@ciatticanada.com | 9059338855 |
Location List
| Locations | Address | State | Country | Zip Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIATTI Global Wine & Grape Brokers | 201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato | CA | United States of America | 94949 |
List of Locations
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