Sonoma County Grape Harvest Running Ahead
October 11, 2013 Sonoma County’s 2013 harvest season has turned the corner and headed down the home stretch. Current reports are showing that the region is approximately 85% to 90% complete, with mostly Zinfandel and some Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Pinot Noir, and Syrah still on the vines. Winegrowers anticipate harvest finishing up within the next week or two, which would put this year’s harvest about three weeks ahead of schedule compared to previous vintages.
Winegrowers and winemakers are working at lightning speed to bring in the last remaining fruit off the vines, says Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. In most regions in the county, a lot of different red varieties are being picked at the same time, creating some challenges for tank space.
“We’ve heard some growers comment about the unique timing of this vintage, where a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon was picked before Zinfandel,” she says. “Everyone is still very pleased with fruit quality and excitement is building for the end of harvest when everyone can sleep again. When all is said and done, this year’s harvest is shaping up to be another great vintage for Sonoma County and its possible tonnage could come close to last year’s totals.”
Reports from winemakers and winegrowers about fruit quality continue to be positive, despite the recent rainstorm that had minimal influence on picking schedules and was characterized by one winegrower as “washing off the dust on the leaves.” In fact, several regions around Sonoma County reported that the rainstorm was accompanied by some high winds that helped dry out moisture.
“We finished harvesting Cabernet Sauvignon Monday with some Zinfandel left that we’re aiming to pick next week. It’s been a condensed harvest season with so many varietals, whites and reds, all coming in at the same time,” says Brad Petersen, vineyard manager at Silver Oak Cellars & Twomey Cellars, and Chairman of Sonoma County Winegrowers. “Fruit quality and flavors are excellent. The recent rainstorm had little to no impact on our vines, and it actually helped bolster our cover crop that we seeded several weeks ago.”
This year’s crop continues to come in at historically average to above-average size with excellent flavor profiles that are lush, balanced, and consistent. Overall, winegrowers and winemakers are thrilled about this year’s harvest and the potential of these 2013 wines.
“Great year for the grower and winemaker,” says Duff Bevill, founder and partner at Bevill Vineyard Management. “Nice-sized crop; whites and reds are all wonderful quality – winemakers are talking about it already.”
Subscribe Today For
