Fall Harvest Outlook
Who Is Ready for Harvest?!
It is still very early to predict harvest times, but here are our most recent harvest updates.
Suisun Valley:
Suisun Valley is about 10 days ahead of schedule according to the grape ripening analytics from 2013. Also, the tonnage looks to be similar or a little bit lighter than the 2013 harvest. Sauvignon Blanc will be the first come off the vine. Last year Sauvignon Blanc started harvesting August 28th, this year we are looking at August 18th. The first red will most likely be the Merlot around September 8th. Sugar sampling and Brix numbers will be available around the end of July/early August depending on how fast the grapes mature.
Lodi:
There is a lot of verasion happening in the vineyards. Sugar sampling will begin in Lodi at the end of July, so keep an eye on our facebook page for numbers and updates. Lodi is also thinking their harvest will be 10 days earlier than last year. It is looking like Albarino will be the first variety off the vine. We are looking at a harvest very similar to 2013 in Lodi.
Amador:
Amador county grapes are always harvested a little late in the season. Currently, the grapes are maturing about 5 days ahead of schedule compared to 2013. The Sangiovese and Barbera will be the first varieties to arrive in Hartford from Amador.
Central Valley:
The Central Valley is looking to harvest the 3rd week in August if the weather stays consistent. They are getting a good amount of heat down there and the Muscats and Barberas are looking great! Therefore, we might have wine grapes in Hartford as early as August 11th!
Napa:
Napa is looking to be about 7 days ahead of schedule compared to last year. Keep in mind that grapes harvested from Younville versus Stag’s Leap versus Carneros will probably be a few days apart. The Napa crop is looking to be about average/possibly a little less than last year. We will know more by mid-August. Again, it is still very early in the season to tell, but as long as the weather stays consistent we are looking at another banner grape year! We will have more detailed information for you as the grapes start to mature and gain sugar. Keep an eye on our Facebook Page, Blog, and Twitter Page for updates.