Sunny Cal Farms Announces First Harvest of Organic Niabel Concord and Kyoho Grapes

Limited quantities of heirloom organic grapes available for summer 2026 programs

Reedley, CA — Sunny Cal Farms, the renowned grower of specialty heirloom and gourmet grapes, announces that organic Niabel Concord and Kyoho grapes will be available for the first time during the summer 2026 season, adding to its already popular Organic Thomcords, known for their flavor, as well as grower CJ Buxman’s personal texts to end customers who want to reach out directly to the farmer.”  

“When we first introduced our conventional Niabel Concord and Kyoho grapes, consumers responded extremely favorably to their fragrance and flavor,” said CJ Buxman, owner of Sunny Cal Farms and a third-generation San Joaquin Valley grower. “That demand encouraged us to plant for the organic market four years ago, and 2026 will mark our first organic harvest.”

Niabel Concord and Kyoho are heirloom seeded grape varieties known for their distinctive sweet flavor profiles balanced with pronounced tannins. Demand for the conventional versions has been driven by their intense aroma, rich flavor, and the growing consumer interest in polyphenol-rich foods.

“Every grape variety we grow is selected for flavor and fragrance,” Buxman said. “Many modern table grape varieties have been bred primarily for size, sweetness and shipping durability. Our Niabel Concord and Kyoho grapes deliver the full, classic ‘grapey’ flavor profile that many consumers remember and increasingly seek out.”

Niabel Concord grapes offer a rich sweetness balanced with bright acidity and a flavor reminiscent of fresh grape juice. Kyoho grapes are intensely aromatic and sweet with a subtle tart edge.

Both varieties are traditional slip-skin grapes, allowing consumers to pop the pulp from the skin for a sweeter taste or eat the whole grape for a more complex flavor experience. The varieties also contain seeds, which contribute to the robust flavor profile valued by many consumers.

Organic Niabel Concord and Kyoho grapes will be packed primarily in 2-pound paper totes, with clamshells and loose pack options also available. Production will be limited in 2026, with approximately 3,000 boxes of each variety expected.

“Our grapes are picked and packed to order,” Buxman said. “With limited organic volume this season, we encourage retailers and distributors to contact us early to secure program availability.” Said Buxman.

Sunny Cal Farms also expects a strong season for its organic Thomcord grapes, shipping in mid-July. Conventional and organic Kyoho grapes are expected to begin shipping in early August, followed by Niabel grapes in mid-August. CJ will also be expanding his very popular text cards to the Organic Niabel Concord and Kyoho grape packs. “Consumers are blown away when I personally respond to their texts. Their connection to the farmer has them search for Sunny Cal grapes at retail, and keeps them buying throughout the season, even at a premium price,” he concluded.