(Wines&Vines) - Lake County wine grape growers and winemakers have steadily increased the quality and reputation of their appellation’s Sauvignon Blanc. Current market research shows that prices and demand should remain strong for Lake County grapes for at least the near-term future—not only for Sauvignon Blanc, but also for Cabernet Sauvignon, the area’s leading red variety.

The Lake County Winegrape Commission (LCWC) presented “Momentum 2015” on April 13 to highlight market trends for Lake County grapes and promote awareness of the Lake County appellation. The event also served to encourage growers to continue improving practices that enhance grape quality.

The LCWC represents about 170 growers with more than 8,700 acres planted to about 20 different grape varieties. Of Lake County’s total 2014 wine grape production of 38,673 tons, Sauvignon Blanc planted on 1,893 acres accounted for 11,967 tons (nearly 31% of the total), and Cabernet Sauvignon planted on 3,435 acres produced 14,025 tons (more than 36% of the region’s total harvest).

Christian Miller, proprietor of Full Glass Research and co-founder and research director of Wine Opinions, presented results from his recent market study for Lake County commissioned by the LCWC. “Generally speaking, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon are the leading Lake County varietals—not only in quantity production, but also in quality perception,” Miller summarized.

Miller gathered data from multiple sources including the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) annual reports, surveys and interviews of Lake County grape buyers and users, and from wine sales market sources such as Nielsen, to provide the LCWC with current trends and provide direction about future opportunities. Miller said survey responses indicate very positive changes during the past five years in how Lake County grapes are perceived. This is attributed to improvements in grape quality and viticultural practices. In addition, Lake County has developed a distinct style of Sauvignon Blanc