California Farmers Are Struggling to Sell Grapes as Demand for Wine Drops

The Associated Press California Farmers Are Struggling to Sell Grapes as Demand for Wine Drops Many California growers can’t find buyers as the industry produces more wine grapes than the market wants. Wine consumption is declining globally as people drink less. Sep 27, 2026 Terry Chea, AP A peacock walks through a vineyard at Mohr-Fry Ranches in Lodi on June 10, 2026. Many California growers can’t find buyers as the industry produces more wine grapes than the market wants. (Gina Castro/KQED) It’s harvest time in California wine country , but many growers are struggling to sell their grapes as changing drinking habits have caused demand to plunge. The decline is forcing some growers to tear out vineyards that their families have grown for generations.