Jessica Luke Baumgartner, Director of Vineyard Operations of Cakebread Cellars, gives us a glimpse into early bloom at their 34-year-old Sauvignon Blanc vines in the Rutherford AVA, making them a week to a month early in the typical Napa Valley vintage timeline. She shares, “We are seeing warmer days with the earlier set so it Read the full article…

Clif Family Winery Winemaker Laura Barrett takes us to their Oak Knoll District vineyard to check on shoot growth and early clusters in their Zinfandel vines. As an organic-certified, regeneratively farmed property, Clif Family works to minimize tractor passes and uses eco-friendly methods (like sheep!) to keep the ground cover managed. Stay tuned for more Read the full article…

Bouchaine Vineyards President & Winemaker Chris Kajani gives us an update on bud break in the Los Carneros AVA of Napa Valley, starting with their young Pinot Noir vines. Over the rest of spring and through summer, the shoots will start to grow up the wire, clusters will ripen, and we get ready to harvest Read the full article…

Jeff Plant, estate winemaker at Round Pond Estate in Rutherford, chats with us about the winter rain (or lack of rain in January), optimal times for pruning, and how to set up the vineyard soil for a promising vintage. Stay tuned for more updates on the 2026 vintage!