From the Fields: Bruce Fry, San Joaquin County winegrape grower

By Bruce Fry
San Joaquin County winegrape grower

We started pruning a little bit late compared to years past due to unknown markets for our grapes and contracts, and with all the rain. Because of the rain, we had to wait until the soil was dry enough to get equipment in for pruning and weed spraying. We still need more, but we’ve received good amounts so far rather than hoping it rains in February.

There are lots of labor contractors looking for work, so we should still finish in time for spring. That’s not a concern, and we’re working on it now. We grow 12 different varieties, a little bit of everything. We’re diversified that way and sell to 15 to 20 different wineries, which helps with diversification, even though it’s still a tough market.

It’s better news than last year. There’s been a lot of vineyard pullouts and removals across the state. Around 38,000 acres were removed last year based on the Land IQ survey. On the supply side, we’re getting back in balance. On the demand side, there’s still a bubble in inventory. It’s getting worked through, but it’s taking longer than we’d like. I’m cautiously optimistic about moving forward. 2026 is going to be another difficult year like 2025 and 2024.

We’re tearing out old vineyards, too, and looking at alternative crops, if that’s an economically viable decision. A lot of people are tearing out vineyards and looking at less labor-intensive crops like almonds, walnuts, olives, pistachios and some cherries. These crops are less labor-intensive and seem like viable alternatives right now. We’re being cautious about our costs and inputs moving forward this year, including pruning and herbicide costs, and looking at everything closely. There seem to be more people looking for work because so many vineyards have been taken out. With the transitions here in Lodi, there’s less work for people pruning because there are fewer acres overall.

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