Central Coast Insights 2023: Your Wine Industry Inside Look

A revealing economic and financial conference hosted in Paso Robles, the Central Coast Insights Symposium unites vineyard and winery owners, growers, vendors, and more. Now we're sharing the most valuable takeaways you need to know from the top Central Coast wine industry experts. 

 

There are more than 984 wineries on California's Central Coast. Comparatively, there are 870 in Washington and 871 in Oregon today.

 

Local grape prices have increased over 35% in the last decade.

 

The last 3 years (2019-2022) saw the most dramatic growth with an average price increase of 14%. Paso Robles is home to 26% of the fastest growing wine bands. Plus—while the average overall retail bottle price is $12 nationwide, the San Luis Obispo region averages $20/bottle and is only increasing. 

 

Big picture? Paso Robles is on the rise.

 

High-quality fruit and more accessible pricing than Napa make this region increasingly desirable. In Paso, you can produce exceptional wines for less. The market is truly bifurcated with high-end grapes in a market of their own. Expect premium AVA valuations for Westside Paso while East Paso has the volume and quality to make $15-30 quality Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

According to the Terlato Wine Group, “The trend of large wine companies wanting to increase their presence along the Central Coast persists. Paso Robles has become more attractive and the big wine companies continue to launch Paso Robles-based wines.” John Anthony Truchard describes Paso Robles as "still quote-unquote ‘affordable’.” while Trinchero Family Estates recognizes that "...the Central Coast area is going to be pivotal to the industry.” 

 

Wineries Investing in the Central Coast: 

 

 

Central Coast Region (2022 data)

 

3 Tier Off-Premise	Direct-to-Consumer Shipments
$1.5 billion   10MM 9L cases   1,000 brands / 3,300 items $13 average retail price	$425 MM   800K 9L cases   $44 average price

 

Central Coast Harvest Volumes 2022-2019 

 

Harvest	Volume	Change (previous year)
2018	544,187	5.6%
2019	452,913	-16.8%
2020	379,840	-16.1%
2021	526,654	38.7%
2022	401,902	-23.7%

 

515, 318 tons = 5 year running average | Source: Bozzano & Co 

 

Cabernet Sauvignon Average Price / Gallon 

 

Cabernet Sauvignon	3/21-3/22	3/22-3/23	% Change
Paso Robles AVA	$14.46	$13.78	-4.7%
Central Coast AVA	$14.55	$13.71	-5.8%
SBC AVA	$17.88	$17.00	-4.9%
California (All)		$13.23	-5.6%

 

Source: Bozzano & Co 

 

Bulk Wine Insights

 

According to Anthony Bozzano, Cab is leading the charge in Paso and there’s a shortage of the particular hillside Cab buyers want. Paso would benefit from more Central Coast Chardonnay and local Sauvignon Blanc. 

 

Hot Brands from Paso Robles East Side