2009 Harvest is Underway

We're now approaching the end of the 2nd week of harvesting in Sonoma and Napa Counties. The first winery to harvest appears to have been Gloria Ferrer, which picked some grapes in the Sonoma Valley on August 10.

The principal grapes being picked now are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for sparkling wine, a little Pinot Noir for still wine, and Sauvignon Blanc. Harvest seems to be running about a week behind last year. While weather is unpredictable, harvest is likely to run through the end of October. Usually Cabernet is the last grape to be picked.

Harvest is a fun time to visit wine country as good smells abound, sweet grapes can be sampled, and the wineries are abuzz with activity. As a result, September and October see many tourists in wine country especially on Saturdays -- the busiest day of the week. If you must winetaste on a Saturday, visit wineries that require advance appointments as they tend to be less crowded.

If you would like to take a private wine country tour and avoid some of the crowds, contact Blue Heron Custom Tours and Travel at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or at Rick@BlueHeronTours.com.