Grape Surplus Puts Way of Life in Jeopardy

Farmer Mike O'Brien and other growers protest at Gallo Winery, which dropped its grape price from $200 a ton to $65. A winery spokesman said the surplus problem is "beyond our control."

Farmer Mike O’Brien and other growers protest at Gallo Winery, which dropped its grape price from $200 a ton to $65. A winery spokesman said the surplus problem is “beyond our control.”  (RICARDO DeARATANHA / LAT)

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Grape Surplus Puts Way of Life in Jeopardy

Raghbir Singh Khosa, left, and Jeon Gill, two grape growers from Caruthers, Calif., holding up signs in front of Gallo Winery.

Raghbir Singh Khosa, left, and Jeon Gill, two grape growers from Caruthers, Calif., holding up signs in front of Gallo Winery.  (RICARDO DeARATANHA / LAT)

Abe Aulakh, left, and and brother Jack, two grape growers from Kerman, Calif., holding up signs in front of Gallo Winery.

Abe Aulakh, left, and and brother Jack, two grape growers from Kerman, Calif., holding up signs in front of Gallo Winery.  (RICARDO DeARATANHA / LAT)

Harry Rustigian, 80, picks grape to demonstrate his raisin making process.

Harry Rustigian, 80, picks grape to demonstrate his raisin making process.  (RICARDO DeARATANHA / LAT)

Grower Paul Khasigian holds his son Amos and stands with wife, Connie and sons Arman, left, and Aaron. Sons Alan, left, and Andrew stand atop a pile of grapevines set to be burned.

Grower Paul Khasigian holds his son Amos and stands with wife, Connie and sons Arman, left, and Aaron. Sons Alan, left, and Andrew stand atop a pile of grapevines set to be burned.  (RICARDO DeARATANHA / LAT)

Pascual Enriquez cuts canes from rows of grapevines to slow their growth. Grower Paul Khasigian and worker Fausto Juarez look on.

Pascual Enriquez cuts canes from rows of grapevines to slow their growth. Grower Paul Khasigian and worker Fausto Juarez look on.  (RICARDO DeARATANHA / LAT)