Harvest is Underway

Last week the first wine grapes were harvested in Napa County. The 2006 harvest started about two weeks later than usual due to the unseasonably cold and wet weather we experienced last May.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were picked for use in sparkling wine. Grapes for sparkling wines are picked first because lower sugar levels are wanted. The next grapes to be harvested will be Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for use in still wines. The last grapes to be harvested for table wine are Cabernet Sauvignon. This year, harvesting of Cabernet could continue into November.

The only grapes that are harvested later are those used in desert wines. If conditions permit, grapes are left on the vine until the grapes begin to raisin and sugar levels reach 30+ Brix. Botrytis, the noble rot, may be allowed to grow or is introduced.

The harvest is a special time to visit wine country. There is a lot of hustle and bustle in the wineries. You can taste the sweetness of the grapes on the vine. Sometimes wineries will let you taste unfermented grape juice, which is sweeter than anything you can buy in the supermarket. You may be able to taste wine straight out of the fermentation tank. You will quickly learn that at this point in the winemaking process, the wine is usually undrinkable.

Don't expect to see many workers picking grapes in the vineyards. Harvesting is usually done at night, starting at around 2:00 a.m. Cooler temperatures result in more acid in the grapes, prevent fermentation from starting before the grapes enter the fermentation tanks, and provide better conditions for the workers.

If you want to take a private, custom tour of wine country during harvest it is best to book early. Visit on weekday, if possible, to avoid weekend crowds. To book a private, custom tour inn wine country, call me at (866) 326-4237 or e-mail me by clicking here.