Numbers from the 2024 grape harvest in Mendocino County paint a mixed picture for local growers. The Mendocino Wine Growers Inc. says the county’s harvest trend was in line with the rest of the state–lower tonnage, plus a large number of grapes left on the vine because of economic pressure and changing consumer preferences. As for the varietals, Chardonnay tonnage hit a record, but prices crashed to about $500 a ton. Reds–like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel— suffered a sharp decline in the harvest but prices stayed about the same. Sauvignon Blanc saw a slight price decline, but overall the crop held steady. The trade group says 2025 is likely to be a challenging year for Mendocino vintners, but is hopeful more drinkers will discover the world-class wines from here in our backyard.
A warning about battery disposal. Ukiah Waste Solutions says that a small battery embedded in a pet fountain caught fire at its materials resource facility on Sunday. While the damage was minor, they say rechargeable batteries are considered e-waste and must be thrown out at the Ukiah transfer station–not as part of your regular trash.
The recent storms have added to the state’s mountain snowpack–potentially good news for the dry season. The state says the Sierra snowpack is 95 percent where it should be for mid-February–and even well ABOVE normal at 121 percent of normal in the north. Forecasters keep a close eye on the snowpack and use the figure to prepare for water management over the coming months. The forecast for the next 6 to 10 days should allow for gradual melting, with above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation in the mountains.
Family and friends are hoping for new clues about the disappearance of a man from Ukiah more than a year ago. No one has seen or heard from Angel Murguia-Martinez since February 14th. At the time of his disappearance, there was concern for his safety because he left with a gun–and left behind a suicide note. A feather alert remains in place. Family members say the past year has been unbearably painful, and they hope to find closure knowing what may have happened to Angel.
