In the last decade, the fine winegrowing regions of California have reduced their acreage in a number of formerly popular grape varieties. Here is a brief look at how things have changed for some of these "new orphan" grape varieties. Numbers are approximate acres of varieties listed:
Wine-Growing Acreage
Grape Variety Napa Valley (acres) Sonoma County (acres) 1980 1990 1980 1990 Chenin Blanc 2,900 1,330 510 580 Riesling 1,470 470 100 650 Gewurztraminer 510 150 790 630 Petite Sirah 936 480 1,030 340 Cabernet Sauvignon 5,500 8,700 4,360 5,400 Chardonnay 3,700 9,300 3,050 8,530
