A Harvest Outlook For You Balance - it's hanging
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As harvest nears in what is shaping up to be a delicious vintage, I thought I’d share with you a little of my experience in growing grapes across California this year.
Early this spring we embraced the cooler temperatures and more rain than we’ve had in several decades. It’s been a welcome sight, seeing our rivers, reservoirs, and lakes full again.
In early April, the grapevines slowly woke up for bud break – when small buds burst and shoots start to unfurl. This year they decided to take their time as it was unseasonably cold; about three weeks behind the usual early to mid-March timing.
Not to worry, though. The vines embraced the extra hydration. They've been loving getting a proper drink. As the weather began to warm, the canopies – the leaves and shoots of the vine – were lush and full, basking in the sunlight and heat that came in early summer.
During bloom, the time when the grapevine flowers pollinate into grape berries, it was again cooler than normal and many flowers didn’t fully pollinate causing the otherwise very large crop to normalize. I think this is a good thing. We are still expecting an above-average crop yield this year.
As July rolled in, the heat finally became the norm and the vines took the cue, growing with zest. But the real spectacle is veraison – the time when the vine switches from putting its energy into growing foliage to sending energy to the grape clusters to ripen. This is when the green grapes turn hues of red and purple to signal that harvest is on its way.
In the cool coastal climates we source from like Freestone in Sonoma County, Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County, and Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, veraison is just beginning. While warmer places like Oakville in Napa Valley and Rockpile in Sonoma County are already nearly through veraison. Still, we’re hovering about three weeks behind a harvest date from what has been typical during the past hot and drought-filled decade.
As I prepare for this year’s harvest, my thought is that our Chardonnay will be the first fruit ready for a mid-September pick, with the reds all in by Halloween. But as we all know as in life and agriculture, your plan isn’t always how things go.
The vineyards hold promise as we speak, but this is a volatile moment. I hope we steer clear of any heat waves and the rain clouds hold off until November. If the heat spikes, the grapes could raisinate, or mature too quickly leading to overripe flavors and less complexity and if rain is in the forecast, we’ll find a diluted crop and potential for mold and rot in the grape cluster. Fingers crossed we sail through harvest unscathed.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Stay curious,
Casey Stringer
