Wine, a work in progress

"Winter storms are not unusual in Northern California, and we tend to welcome the rainfall. The "pineapple express" has returned with a vengeance this year, and Mother Nature is testing us again.

Vineyard Manager Isaual Macias watches the weather as carefully now as he does during the growing season. At this time of year, the vines are heading into dormancy, so the worry is not about grape damage but about handling excessive water and runoff. Over the past few weeks, he has led our crews as they prepared the property for the usual storms.

His goal is to minimize washouts, prevent erosion, and direct the water. All of his planning paid off, as the abundant rainfall was soaked up by the vineyards, replenishing the groundwater and reservoirs."

- The Alexander Valley Vineyards Team, 12/3/24

California 2024 Winegrape Harvest
Begins Early and Delivers High Quality

"SACRAMENTO — The 2024 California winegrape harvest got off to an early start in many regions following a rainy winter, a cool spring and a warm summer. While some appellations experienced late-season weather events that led to reduced yields, vintners across the state are reporting a high-quality vintage for 2024. Many winegrowers utilized innovative approaches to leverage opportunities and address challenges during this fast-paced growing season and harvest. "

Winemaker and Vintner Comments on California’s Growing Season and Harvest:

John Kane, general manager of Bonterra Organic Estates in Ukiah, reported a wet winter in Mendocino County, followed by a cold spring. As the season progressed, summer heat accelerated growth and brought the vines up to speed. Picking began on Aug. 7 and finished in mid-October after a compressed harvest. “Typically, our harvest extends into November,” he said, “so finishing before Halloween marks a shift.”

Red grape clusters were smaller this year, resulting in highly concentrated color and a clean, fruit-forward profile. “The earlier harvest has also led to higher acid levels,” Kane said, “indicating strong aging potential for the 2024 vintage.”

In Napa Valley, vintners also experienced abundant winter rains.

“The weather conditions were ideal through bloom, which helped set a healthy crop,” said Renée Ary, vice president of winemaking at Duckhorn Vineyards in St. Helena. Temperatures were above average in June and July, she said, and harvest began Aug. 14. Weather conditions remained moderate through September, which allowed sugars and flavors to stay in balance. Early October heat triggered a quick finish to the harvest.

“I am seeing beautiful, deeply colored Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot backed with concentrated fruit, pillowy tannins and bright acids,” Ary said. “We had very little pyrazines this vintage, which was helpful when navigating the heat.”

View the full 2024 California Harvest Report, including regional reports from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Lodi, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz Mountains and Temecula.

- The Wine Institute, 11/26/24

"November is the month when we can finally relax and enjoy the weather. The race with Mother Nature is over!

Our 50th harvest was officially completed on October 24th, when our final load of Cabernet Sauvignon arrived at the crushpad.

Harvest 2024 lasted 58 days and was the third-largest harvest in the winery's history. Winemaker Kevin Hall has been impressed with the quality of the grapes and complex, layered fruit flavors from our first load to the last."

- The Alexander Valley Vineyards Team, 11/1/24

"The weather this harvest has given us warm, sunny days and cool nights, offering ideal conditions to finish the season. The fruit we brought in shows beautiful flavor development, rich color, and elevated natural acidity.

The 2024 wines are going to deliver a beautiful balance of generous fruit aromatics and flavors with buoyant, mouthwatering acidity. I can't wait to share them with you!"

- Marcus Rafanelli, Winemaker, L'Ecole No. 41, 10/23/24

"It was a crisp, magical autumn when the 2022 Oregon grape harvest came to life. Under golden skies and with just enough drizzle to keep things interesting, the vineyards produced a vintage unlike any other—like something a mischievous youth would’ve imagined in his finest daydreams.

The grapes, with the defiant spirit of a certain playful tiger on a frolic, grew with robust flavors and refreshing character, daring to be wild yet balanced. They danced in the breeze, soaking up the last rays of summer, ready to bottle adventure and curiosity. Each sip of this harvest is like catching fireflies in a jar—capturing nature’s most spontaneous moments. Oregon has never tasted so wondrous, so alive.

Take a swig, and don’t be surprised if it sends you tumbling into the vibrant hills of imagination, where the only limit is your sense of wonder."

- The Failla Wines Team, 10/13/24