Napa Valley Winery (© Don Mace | Dreamstime.com)

The fine wines of California are a delight for wine lovers and an important part of the state’s economy. It’s been a tough economic year, so this year’s disappointing growing season has caused understandable concern about the size and quality of this month's harvest.

Just a few weeks ago we reported that the growing season first suffered from frosts, then hot weather followed by a lack of rain. “Growers and vintners estimate this year's crop in the state could be 20% smaller than in 2007,” according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. The disappointing growing season “comes as demand for domestic wine is growing by 3% to 5% a year and the market for $12-to-$20 wines is increasing by 18%.”

“So far, it looks like the crop will be smaller than usual but the fruit that is coming in is good,” according to an article from the Associated Press, published by Google. Karen Ross, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers is quoted by AP, "People are very happy to date with the quality and flavor development."

Don’t expect any diminishment of the taste of California’s fine wines. The AP article refers to Paul Dolan of the Mendocino Wine Company, who expects wineries to rise above this year's tough conditions. “Winemakers by nature are really very optimistic people and they're very creative," he said, "so there always is a way."

If you’d like to read the Associated Press article cited above go to: Harvest caps challenging year for Calif. vintners

If you’d like to read the L.A. Times article cited above go to: California winemakers brace for smaller supply of grapes