Behind the Vine: Harvest Predictions

During a recent conversation with one of our winemakers we had to laugh when he said “there are only three things certain in life: death, taxes and Harvest!”  That’s true…Harvest IS looming.  For months, we’ve been hearing predictions, and even some friendly wagers among our winemakers, on just when we should expect for harvest season to start.

Generally, wine harvest season takes place for about 2 months because wine grapes ripen at different times. We normally see harvest August through October.  But, in recent years, harvest has come early for most varietals due to mild winter and spring seasons and dry, hot summer months.

So, are we on track for another early Harvest?  The season definitely started with an early bud break, but we did have a longer, cooler spring than expected, so things did slow down a bit. And, following tradition the past few summers, we’ve experienced some monsoonal-type thunderstorms in the afternoons bringing much needed rain.  So what does all this mean for the start of harvest?  It’s really anyone’s guess.

But, one thing’s for sure….”Squeezin’ Season” as we lovingly refer to it around here, is just around the corner.  It’s a perfect time to visit wine country; not only are the vineyards beautiful with all that ripening fruit, but there’s a lot of activity going on in the vineyards and in the winery cellars.  And, if you’re lucky, you may get to experience part of what wine grape harvesting is all about!