Currently the demand for premium and standard table wines has resulted in a favorable price for hybrids, especially red hybrids, and demand exceeds supply for V. vinifera varieties. First, investment in new plantings of native American varieties should be considered carefully. Although the current supply of Concord is not excessive, planting in Washington state and preference for their fruit for juice production suggests that only the most efficient growers will be able to compete in this market. Growers who have existing vineyards or who do not depend upon grape production for their major livelihood may be in a better situation, but they should carefully examine their options. The outlook for Catawba and Delaware is not any brighter than that for Concord.
Efficiency is a key for survival.
Demand for Niagara seems a little more secure because of the quality differential between eastern and western product. Still, growers should be aware that recent news of the health benefits of red grape juice may affect change the relative preference for red and white juice in the same way that it has red and white wine. The fact that, in spite of an apparent world wide preference for red wines, white hybrid variety prices have surged in New York is encouraging. Demand for quality table wines is up, and the premium wineries have a good market for quality white wines. The key is to produce quality grapes and wines.