Viticulture Briefs

<p class="bold allcaps">Canadians drinking more U.S. wine</p> <p>While traditional export markets in Europe have declined, U.S. vintners are finding a strong export market in Canada.</p><p>The findings were reported in the most recent Rabobank Wine Quarterly report.</p><p>Canada is the sixth-largest wine importer and consumes about 480 million liters of wine per year, making it roughly one third the size of the United Kingdom market. But sales and profits have declined in the UK due to inflation, the recession and a rise in the excise tax.</p><p>By contrast, consumption in Canada has grown by 30 percent since 2006, and prices are rising faster than volume, enabling many exporters to attain average prices in Canada that are well above their global averages.</p><p>“On the whole, the Canadian market appears poised for continued growth in wine consumption, both in volume and value,” said Stephen Rannekleiv, executive director of food and agribusiness research at Rabobank.</p><h3>Wine competition targets millennial drinkers</h3> <p>Vintners can learn how their wine rates with younger consumers by entering the 2012 NextGen Wine Competition for Millennial Wine Drinkers. </p><p>The contest has been organized by Vineyard & Winery Management. Entries are being accepted through May 8. </p><p>The competition will be judged by qualified wine industry members aged 21-35. Giovanni “Gio” Balistreri returns as Chief Judge for this fourth annual event.</p><p>Entry fee is $75 per wine. For details call 577-7700, ext. 100 or visit vwm-online.com/nextgen.</p><h3>Smart Marketer seminar for grape growers on May 17 in Santa Rosa</h3> <p>The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission and California Association of Winegrape Growers are sponsoring a Smart Marketer Seminar on May 17 in Santa Rosa.</p><p>Attorney Dale Stern will discuss contracts, liens and the legal ramifications of selling grapes. John Aguirre, CAWG president, will give legislative updates and Matt O'Connor of O'Connor Environmental will discuss the VESCO Tree Removal Ordinance.</p><p>Stern's presentation will include the legalities and reality of short-selling contracted grapes to a higher-paying buyer, ramifications of diverting grapes under contract, breaking contracts, what a contract is worth, and liens.</p><p>Check-in begins at 3:45 p.m. and the seminar runs from 4-6 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel in Santa Rosa. RSVP by May 14 at www.sonomawinegrape.org/smartmarketer. For more information, contact Karen at 522-5862 or ipm@sonomawinegrape.org.</p><p>Compiled by Staff Writer Cathy Bussewitz. Submit items to cathy.bussewitz@pressdemocrat.com</p>