Sour Grapes in the Golden State (BBC): “California’s wine industry is weathering the worst downturn in the industry’s history after a string of bumper crops and a souring economy has led to plunging prices and financial problems for some vineyards. The seeds of the oversupply were sown in the 1990s when demand skyrocketed and a booming economy prompted growers to plant more vines. During the late 1990s, plantings soared by 45%. But timing is everything in the wine business, and those grapes are now maturing in an altogether different economic climate.”
