Grape prices in the Finger Lakes were more encouraging in 2012 than they have been for the past several years. After a consistent pattern of flat or falling prices for most varieties since 2008, average prices for almost all varieties either held steady or increased compared to 2011.

There are a few possible reasons for this change. For some varieties, the increase in price was at least partly due to a shortage of fruit. Varieties like Concord and Niagara were in higher demand this year after spring frosts devastated the crop in most of the Eastern U.S. regions where they are grown, including Michigan, Ohio and the Lake Erie region of New York and Pennsylvania.

For a number of other varieties, the increase in price can be related an increase in demand from buyers. Many growers with varieties like Pinot noir, Riesling and Gewurtztraminer had sold their entire crop (which were less affected by frost damage) well before harvest got underway. Even lesser known varieties often used in blends like Rougeon and Noiret saw significant increases in their average price this year. Growers are hoping that this year is the start of a new upward trend in prices.

For more than 10 years, the Finger Lakes Grape Program has asked wineries and grape processors to share their annual price lists for inclusion in our annual survey of grape prices in the region. If a buyer includes multiple prices for a variety, we include both the high and low price reported. The average price listed on the accompanying table is not a weighted average, but merely an average of the stated prices.