Viticulture briefs

Slight drop likely in wine grape harvest

California's wine grape crop is likely to be about 3 percent down from last year, according to an estimate from the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The department predicts a 3.2 million ton harvest compared with last year's 3.28 ton wine grape crop, according to the estimate released last week.

"The 2008 California grape crop is shaping up to be an average crop despite the frost damage that occurred when unusually cold temperatures hit California during the middle of April," according to the report. "Crop development was about six to 10 days behind normal."

Last year, Sonoma County's grape crop dropped by 9 percent to 198,000 tons, led by smaller chardonnay, pinot noir and merlot crops.

A workshop to help grape growers and vintners assess the sustainability of their businesses will be held Friday at Keller Estate Winery, 5875 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by an exercise gauging vineyard and winery operations against the chapters from the "Code of Sustainable Winegrowing" workbook. Participants with a workbook should bring it, and first-time participants will receive the second editions at the workshop.

There is no cost to attend. Lunch and a winery tour will follow.

Reservations are required by Wednesday. Call 522-5862 or e-mail ipm@sonomawinegrape.org.

The Wine Institute and the American Vineyard Foundation recently published a new guide to help wineries reduce water and energy use.

The publication, called the "Comprehensive Guide to Sustainable Management of Winery Water and Associated Energy," helps wineries understand how to reduce water use in cleaning and sanitation; minimize use of cleaning products and other chemicals; decrease the volume and strength of wastewater; minimize water and energy needed for heating and cooling operations; and optimize land application systems for wastewater.

For details on post-harvest workshops and other events, visit www.sustainablewinegrowing.org.

-- Kevin McCallum