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San Luis Obispo County wine grape revenues dropped 40% last year

September 18, 2025

By KAREN VELIE

While wine grapes led as San Luis Obispo County’s most valuable crop in 2023, strawberries moved back into the top slot in 2024. Wine grapes faced a 40% decline in gross revenue because of reduced sales across all varietals.

Combined, wine grapes and strawberries accounted for 43% of the county’s overall crop value.

The animal industry held steady, supported by a 3% increase in the number of head sold and a 12% rise in cattle prices.

For field crops, alfalfa hay stood out with production up more than 36% and overall value climbing 43% from 2023. Avocados and lemons posted a strong year, with values
increasing 64% and 95% respectively.

Nursery products continued to face challenges from shifting market demands and higher overhead costs, resulting in a 7% decrease in total value for the sector.

The top ten commodities by value in 2024 were:

1. Strawberries
2. Wine grapes
3. Cattle and calves
4. Avocados
5. Broccoli
6. Lettuce (head)
7. Vegetable and ornamental transplants
8. Lettuce (leaf)
9. Lemons
10. Cauliflower

 


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The article that you didn’t read about: “County Now Leading Nation in Raison Production”.


1

And why were the wine grape revenues down 40%?


4

Shot in the dark here, but fewer people drinking mediocre, overpriced, massively abundant central coast wine?


13

Good. The water supply can only handle so much abuse. No more grapes; please.


10

Grape vines are being pulled and often replaced with citrus, which consumes a lot more water.


0

Maybe we should propose a 5 story apartment building on every vineyard.


0