BAKERSFIELD, CA - The warm rays of August have me lounging about in my living room under a high-powered fan as of late, noshing on all the fresh and delicious literal fruits of labor that this season has to offer. As summer peaks, what better fruit to nosh on than grapes?

Anthony Vineyards’ Rob Spinelli, Sales, has given me a golden opportunity to learn more about what’s coming from the field to retail.

“By the middle of August, you’re going to start seeing the newer high flavor varieties coming in like the Sweet Sapphire, Sweet Heart, Candy Heart, and Candy Dream. The week of August 12 will see other varieties like Sweet Globe, Sweet Scarlet and Timco to name a few,” commented Rob. “There’s a slight delay, but that might actually work out for us during the dog days of summer.”

And the heat is on, making these juicy grapes sound even more satisfying to munch on. Despite the rainy weather in May and the cool June, Rob assured me that volumes will remain in promotable volumes and to keep an eye on the organic varieties coming in for great opportunities to push the segment front and center. The beginning of the season was not easy for many California grape growers for a host of reasons, but the market is beginning to stabilize to create a more healthy dynamic between suppliers and buyers, Rob notes.

“The organic grape program is still going strong. Our organics have a steady volume now, which means steady pricing,” continued Rob. “We’re seeing good quality, especially with the greens—they have a good size, brix, and are also eating great right now.”

Small, convenient, portable, and oh so crunchy, these grapes have weathered through hurdles in the arms of the Bakersfield area and have come out shining and ready to eat. Anthony Vineyards' high flavor varieties are available in 1 and 2 lb clamshells and variety-specific pouch bags, sure to excite customers’ palates and draw in a loyal fan base.

Keep reading ANUK for the latest in all crop updates.

Anthony Vineyards