Viticulture briefs

<p class="bold allcaps">Grape forecast revised upward</p> <p>The USDA's Agricultural Statistics Services last week unexpectedly revised its grape forecast upward, predicting 3.4 million tons of grapes will be harvested this year.</p><p>The new number is 6 percent above the 3.2 million ton prediction from the prior month.</p><p>The revision is at odds with some Sonoma growers who say the crop looks lighter and lighter as harvest ramps up.</p><p>The dry spring, frost damage and poor pollination have all been cited as factors in the smaller crop in Sonoma County, which some estimate could be down as much as 20 percent from average.</p><p>But Nick Frey, president of the Sonoma Wine Grape Commission, has said other growers are recently reporting the berries are "sizing up nicely."</p><p>The next production forecast is expected Sept. 12.</p><h3>Auction bidding starts early online</h3> <p>Bidders at this year's Sonoma Valley Harvest Auction will have a chance to get a jump on the competition by bidding online before the auction weekend.</p><p>Bidding started Aug. 1, and continues throughout the month. Visitors to www.WineCountryWeekend.cMarket.com can bid on select lots that will vary in value from $100 to $3,000.</p><p>Sample lots include a special 6-liter bottle of 1991 Sebastiani cabernet sauvignon, a romantic weekend in Wine Country, and four large-sized bottles from La Crema. Money raised will benefit more than 15 charities that support students, children, farmworkers and people in need.</p><p>Over the past 15 years, $5 million has been raised through the live auction for local charities.</p><p>The festivities culminate at the 16th Annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction at Cline Cellars on Aug. 31 during Wine Country Weekend. For information visit www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com</p><h3>Export seminar Thursday in San Francisco</h3> <p>The Wine Institute's annual export seminar is scheduled for Thursday at San Francisco's City Club. This year's theme is "Developing Your Global Marketing Plan."</p><p>The agenda features the results of a major wine market study of India. Additional presentations will include "Maximizing Trade Show Participation," and two recent case studies on "Selling California."</p><p>The seminar will offer wineries an opportunity to discuss market opportunities with the California Export Program's regional directors. The seminar is open to all interested industry members. For information, contact communications@wineinstitute.org.</p><p>-- Kevin McCallum</p>