BAKERSFIELD, CA - If I’m poolside, I need grapes—and lots of them! The summer is officially here, and that not only means I’m basically a fish, but a fish that survives primarily off of grapes. And, this summer, Mazzei-Franconi has a plethora of grape varieties for my fellow fish (or regular human grocery shoppers) to choose from—red, black, white, and more.

With the season kicking off just around the corner on June 28, I spoke with Tom Franconi to find out what we can expect from the upcoming grape season.

“The market has been very active this season, and we’re hoping that continues as we begin harvesting this week,” Tom tells me. “With quality looking good and growing conditions staying steady, we’re looking forward to another great season.”

Grape enthusiasts are in for a real treat this year, as Tom notes that volume has increased in size compared to last year. Combined with the mild weather California is known for, Mazzei-Franconi’s season is already off to a good start with growing conditions close to ideal and steady temperatures showing no signs of letting up in the forecast.

“Starting Thursday, we will harvest Flame Seedless, Sugarones, and Summer Royals, which are red, white, and black varieties. So far, we’re seeing very nice quality grapes: good sizing, nice colors, and we’re hoping for great sugar content as well,” Tom says. “This season, we’re also pushing new varieties, like Ivory, Magenta, Kryssy, Timco, and Allison, which we have introduced over the last few years in order to keep up with rising demand.”

With Flame Seedless, Sugarones, and Summer Royals opening the season on June 28 out of Arvin, California, Mazzei-Franconi’s season will continue throughout the summer with Ivory’s harvested around July 10, Kryssy’s July 20, Magenta’s August 10, and Timco’s and Allison’s closing the season out in the fall.

Look for Mazzei-Franconi’s grape varieties on shelves soon for a grape summer (pun attempted)! For more on what’s happening crop-side, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Mazzei-Franconi