Allied Grape Growers consider removing vineyards in Calfornia as wine consumption declines [Video]

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. — Changing consumer tastes are having a dramatic impact on the wine industry.

This is a difficult time for wine grape growers in California’s Central Valley and around the state.

Not as many people are raising a glass of red or white wine these days

“The wine industry has found success over the last 30 years really on the backs of the baby boomer generation,” said Jeff Bitter, president of the Allied Grape Growers.

“We experienced a lot of success and growth during the pandemic. A lot of pantry loading and consumption was up.”

But since that time, Bitter says wine consumption has dropped.

“There’s some headwinds right now with regards to alcohol consumption in general. We’ve seen lower alcohol consumption across all categories. Not just wine, but beer and spirits,” said Bitter.

Allied Grape Growers represents about 500 growers and sells their wine grapes.

Bitter says California growers face a …