Anthony Vinyards diversifies grape portfolio with high-flavor varieties
Anthony Vinyards diversifies grape portfolio with high-flavor varieties
As the California grape season gets underway, Anthony Vineyards Inc. is once again positioning its Coachella Valley program as a key early driver of domestic supply, offering retailers a reliable transition from imports into fresh California fruit.
With operations based in Bakersfield and key facilities in Coachella and Thermal, the company has long been a major player in the early California deal, leveraging its desert growing regions to bring grapes to market ahead of the San Joaquin Valley harvest.
“We typically begin our Coachella season in early May, which gives retailers an important domestic option right as imports begin to wind down,” said Rob Spinelli, the company’s sales manager. “That early window is critical, especially on the organic side, where supply is often limited coming out of the import season.”
Anthony Vineyards has built its reputation on providing both conventional and organic grapes, with a growing emphasis on organics over the past two decades. The company began farming organic grapes in 2002 and has steadily expanded that program, now making it a central part of its identity.
“Organic grapes have become a major part of what we do,” Spinelli said. “We’re one of the larger organic shippers during the California season, and demand continues to grow year after year.”
The Coachella Valley plays a vital role in that strategy, offering an early-season production window that helps bridge supply gaps and maintain continuity for customers. Spinelli noted that timing remains one of the region’s biggest advantages.
“There’s a period before Coachella starts where organic grapes are very limited,” he said. “Once we get going, we’re able to fill that gap and keep shelves stocked consistently.”
For the 2026 season, Spinelli expects solid quality and a strong overall program, supported by continued investment in new varieties and vineyard development.
“We’re continuing to diversify our portfolio with newer, high-flavor varieties,” he said. “You’re seeing less reliance on older varieties like Flame Seedless and Sugraone, and more focus on premium offerings that deliver better eating quality.”
Among those newer varieties are Sweet Globe, Autumn Crisp and other proprietary selections that are gaining traction with retailers and consumers alike. The company is also introducing Cotton Candy grapes into its Coachella program for the first time through a partnership, further expanding its offering.
“This will be our first year with Cotton Candy grapes out of Coachella,” Spinelli said. “It’s an exciting addition that gives retailers another unique option early in the California season.”
Consistency remains a defining factor for Anthony Vineyards, both in terms of supply and quality. By operating across multiple growing regions throughout California, the company is able to offer a seamless program that extends well beyond the Coachella deal.
“Our goal is to provide a full-season program,” Spinelli said. “We start in Coachella and then transition into the San Joaquin Valley, allowing us to supply customers continuously through the California season.”
That continuity is increasingly important as retailers look for dependable partners who can deliver promotable volume and consistent quality across multiple months.
“Retailers want a program they can count on,” Spinelli said. “It’s not just about a few weeks of supply; it’s about being there throughout the entire season.”
As the industry continues to evolve, Anthony Vineyards is also focused on innovation, particularly in response to changing consumer preferences. High-flavor varieties, organic production and unique offerings are all part of that strategy.
“At the end of the day, it comes down to delivering a better eating experience,” Spinelli said. “If the fruit tastes great, consumers will come back for more.”
With its early-season advantage in Coachella, expanding organic footprint and growing portfolio, Anthony Vineyards is well positioned to meet demand as the 2026 California grape season gets underway.
