Wine, a work in progress

"As we move into July, the 2026 weather recap can be summed up in a few words: warmer temperatures and below-normal rainfall. This has sped up vineyard development, keeping our crews extremely busy!

The warm days drive the plant growth, while the cool nights allow the vines to rest and recover, and the foggy mornings provide much-needed moisture. This ideal combination allows the grapes to mature slowly, maintaining the optimal balance of flavors.

The vineyard views continue to change daily. The vines are experiencing rapid canopy growth, and our crews are pulling leaves and removing shoots to maximize sun exposure and airflow."

- The Family Team, Alexander Valley Vineyards, 7/1/26

"Summer has arrived, bringing a lively and exciting season here at L’Ecole.

Out in our Estate vineyards, the growing season got off to a notably fast start this spring. A welcome cool spell in early June helped moderate that pace, allowing the vines to find a steady rhythm. We’ve now moved through flowering, and berry set is underway—always a meaningful milestone that gives us our first glimpse of the vintage to come.

Back in the cellar, we’ve just completed bottling the remaining 2024 wines, including Apogee, Perigee, and Ferguson. It’s always rewarding to see these wines reach this stage, each expressing the character of the Walla Walla Valley and the careful work that goes into every vintage.

At the same time, our focus is already turning ahead. We’re preparing to rack and blend the 2025 wines before returning them to barrel for another 12 months of aging. With harvest just around the corner, it’s a full and energetic time of year for our team."

- The Estate Team, L’Ecole Nº 41, 6/28/26

"Blink and suddenly the vineyard is showing off — vines flowering, baby clusters popping up, and our crew out there working their magic like proud plant parents (with a lot of pruning involved). It’s a beautiful and busy time here at Vino Noceto, and as the vineyard comes to life, so does our May calendar."

- Chella & the Noceto Crew, Vino Noceto Winery & Tasting Room, 5/5/26