(Wines&Vines) - The health of the wine industry along California’s Central Coast is good, and its future is bright. That was the overall message of last week’s sold-out Central Coast Insights event in Paso Robles.

There are some uncertainties that could cloud the sunny outlook, however—possible shortages of water and labor, chief among them. Still, the overall mood was positive, as reflected in the subtitle for the 22nd annual symposium: “Riding the Successful Wave of California’s Central Coast.”

Much of the daylong event focused on Central Coast grapes and bulk wine: prices, availability and where the supplies go. But other sessions included perspectives from lenders on the Central Coast, protecting businesses from fraud and cyber crime and a couple of case studies about mergers and acquisitions. 

Survey results

David Freed, chairman of the Silverado Group and one of the founders of the Wine Industry Symposium Group, kicked off the session with the annual Central Coast Insights survey results. “The consumer loves the Central Coast,” he said. But he noted that the 2015 vintage was challenging because the crop was so small. Sixty-five percent of respondents to the survey said that yields for Cabernet Sauvignon were down 30% or more compared to the large crop of 2014, and 76% reported similar shortages for Pinot Noir. Nearly half the respondents said the Chardonnay tonnage was down 30% or more.

“I don’t have any varietal other than Gruner Veltliner that was a good crop—and I don’t grow much Gruner Veltliner,” said Scott Williams, vineyard manager for Pacific Vineyard Co. in the Edna Valley.

Cabernet Sauvignon—both decreased yields and strong demand—was a big topic of discussion. The survey indicated that more than three-quarters of respondents said Cabernet would be in strong demand in the next three years.

“It’s good to have as much Cabernet as you can here in Paso Robles,” said Don Brady, winemaker for Robert Hall Winery and owner of Brady Vineyards. Brady spoke on a panel examining the bulk wine and grape market on the Central Coast. Bruce Jordan, who oversees vineyard operations in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties for Reserve Vineyard Management, agreed that more Cabernet is needed.