California continues to struggle with a glut of grapes, particularly the vaunted cabernet sauvignon. The growing crops bode well for consumers, but not necessary grape growers who are searching for buyers in a market interrupted by the corona virus.

In the last two decades, vintners have ripped out their merlot and replanted with cabernet sauvignon to address the trend to California’s top cash crop. But that change has resulted in more bulk cabernet and more coming as young vines mature.

Top producers are unlikely to make more wine because it can destabilize the lofty prices they charge. More likely, they could sell off more of their estate grapes. If they don’t have estate vineyards, it is unlikely they will buy more grapes from the glut. Cameron Hughes, who often scarves up these excess grapes, will have a field day selling wine from top vineyards at reduced prices (with the promise he won’t name the source).

Other producers of inexpensive wines will find better quality at reduced prices. Those of us who buy wines in the $15-20 category mostly likely will be buying better wine at the same price.