The Current Villian: Glassy Wine Sharpshooter

Temecula grape growers say vine-destroying Pierce's disease has cost them nearly $18 million -- double earlier estimates, according to relief claims filed with the county. Federal relief funds planned for only $7 million.

35 Temecula growers are expected to receive $4,000 a acre from a federally funded compensation program for vines lost to Pierce's disease. The compensation is far less than the standard $18,000 to $20,000 to plant an acre of grapes. The amount growers actually receive will depend on acreage claimed and the age of their vines. The older the vine, the lower the payout.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery, an established local winery, estimates that about half the 700 acres it farms in Temecula were killed by Pierce's disease.

Napa is taking this very seriously, posting "Wanted" posters like the Wild West:

Though strict enforcement is in place, eggs are travelling to other winemaking regions. According to Adam Lechmere's article in Decanter magazine last week, Sharpshooter eggs found in Santa Rosa. He reports:

In this case, the eggs were discovered by inspectors on four plants at three different nurseries in Santa Rosa. Despite rigorous controls, it is almost impossible to inspect every plant shipped north from southern California, where the insect is entrenched.

Both Napa and Sonoma have budgets of between $300,000 and $750,000 and up to 15 full-time employees working on sharpshooter control programs.

Furthermore, wine magazine Wine Spectator reports some 200 Napa growers support a self-taxing proposal to raise funds to control the pest.

Related Links
· Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
· Callaway Coastal Winery
· Sharpshooter eggs found in Santa Rosa - Decanter article
· Decanter