Top of the glass: Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon were the leading California wine grape varietals crushed in 2024

California is the top wine grape-producing State in the Nation. In addition to leading the United States in volume production, California also produces a large and diverse range of wine grape varieties. According to data reported in USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service’s annual California Grape Crush report, growers raise more than 100 different varieties of wine grapes. However, six varietals accounted for almost two-thirds of the volume of the 2024 wine grape crush. The top six included the red varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel, and white varieties Chardonnay, French Colombard (a varietal used primarily in white blends and brandies), and Pinot Gris. Of the 2.884 million tons of wine grapes crushed in 2024, the top varietals, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, made up more than one-third of tonnage crushed. Growers of Cabernet Sauvignon averaged the highest price of the six varieties, fetching $2,182 per ton, followed by Chardonnay at $1,057 per ton. The 2024 California grape crush was valued at $2.99 billion, down 26 percent from 2023 on a 3-percent year-to-year reduction in the weighted average price across all varieties, combined with a 24-percent reduction in total crush volume (including table- and raisin-type grapes). This chart is based on the September 2024 USDA, Economic Research Service Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook Report and has been updated with recent data.