It seems that the grape harvest has been small this year across the globe, from France to Italy, and even California. Weather conditions including heavy rains, cold snaps, and excessive heat have all affected this year's yield, resulting in a smaller than usual harvest, but with grapes that seem to be very high-quality. Growers in Monterey County are harvesting 20 percent less than in previous years, but the quality is "excellent." Will this mean higher prices for the consumer, though?

From The Californian:

Despite the low numbers, the 2007 harvest should cause little or no change in wine prices for consumers, said Karen Ross, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers in Sacramento.

California producers are still working through their inventories, "an oversupply situation" left from several bumper-crop years, Ross said.

The exception may be temporarily tight supplies of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Both varietals are increasingly popular with consumers, she said.

"But it's not a time to panic," Ross said.

Monterey is home to vineyards such as Blackstone, Hahn, J. Lohr, and Wente, among many others.