Harvest in San Joaquin County doesn’t wait, and it doesn’t slow down when fuel gets expensive. Right now, crews are running 24 hours a day through grape and almond season, which means thousands of gallons of diesel burned daily across tractors, semis and pickups. Manna Ranch, which oversees roughly 10,000 acres, is spending between $100,000 and $140,000 a week on fuel alone. That’s $60,000 to $70,000 more than last year.
The timing could not be tougher. The Lodi Winegrape Commission says grape prices remain below where they stood five and ten years ago, so growers are absorbing costs instead of passing them along. Some operations have added fuel surcharges, and industry leaders are asking consumers to check labels and choose California wine as a practical way to support local agriculture.
This ripples well beyond wine country. Higher fuel costs pressure food prices, farm jobs, and family operations that have worked this soil for generations. Supporting local growers doesn’t require a big gesture, just a closer look at what’s already on the shelf at your neighborhood store.
What’s the last California wine you tried? Tell us in the comments.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
