Syrah and Pinot Noir vineyard dries up
The worsening drought in the U.S. state of California is seeing wineries literally dry up. One of Sonoma County's best Syrah vineyards, Griffin's Lair, will not bear any fruit this year due to a lack of water, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The owner of the Petaluma vineyard, John Flynn, decided last week to drop the entire crop, which would normally supply Pinot Noir and Syrah grapes to eight wineries.

A question of survival
“It's the best way to ensure the crop's survival,“ John Flynn told the Chronicle. Vineyards across Sonoma and Napa wine-growing regions are reported to be showing signs of stress from a lack of water. Californian vineyards have already been battered by wildfires in the last few years. In 2020 a huge blaze destroyed the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant at the Napa Valley resort of Meadowood and damaged more than 20 wineries.

All of California is abnormally dry
California’s drought is so severe that according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 100% of the state is suffering from under abnormally dry conditions. It‘s not just vineyards that are suffering. Officials predicted in May at least 80% of baby salmon could die because of rising water temperatures in the Sacramento River while Mendocino, north of San Francisco, is imploring tourists who flock to the coastal town to save water.

One of Sonoma County's best Syrah vineyards, Griffin's Lair, before the drought