Sunset Magazine October 1916

California's grape growing industry in the 1910s was a significant and growing industry, driven by the growth of the wine industry and the increasing demand for grapes as a fresh fruit. In 1916, California's grape acreage was around 150,000 acres, and it was the largest grape-growing state in the US. The industry was characterized by the rise of large wineries and the increased mechanization of vineyards, as well as the development of new grape varieties.

However, the industry faced challenges such as disease and competition from other fruit crops. The impending Prohibition law had a significant impact on the industry. The 18th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1919, instituted Prohibition, which banned the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. This had a huge impact on the wine industry in California, as wine production came to a near halt and many vineyards were destroyed or turned to other crops.

Prohibition also led to a decline in the consumption of grapes as table fruit, as consumers turned to other fruits that were not associated with alcohol. This resulted in a sharp decline in the demand for grapes and a decline in the price of grapes. Many grape growers were forced to switch to other crops or leave the industry altogether. The Prohibition period had a huge impact on the California's grape growing industry and it took years for the industry to recover after the Prohibition was repealed in 1933.