2018 Harvest
Fieldnotes
08/15/2018 —
The first fruit of harvest 2018 is in! Duckhorn Vineyards, Domaine Chandon, Mumm Napa, Judd’s Hill and Monticello Vineyards are just a few members who have had fruit make their way from the vineyard to the crush pad. The picking of white wine grapes, like Sauvignon Blanc, will start in the next week to 14 days. Recent warm temperatures are helping the transition from veraison to full ripeness. While this year’s harvest is slightly behind last year, many winemakers are breathing a sigh of relief to a more even, less challenging growing season. Winery teams are gearing up for their busiest time of year, bottling recent vintages and making tank space for what’s to come.
View photos & previous updates
All About Harvest
What does it take to bring home a perfect wine grape? View photos, videos and stories about the traditions, heroes and stages behind Napa Valley’s annual harvest.
Stages of Harvest
There are many factors that determine when grapes are harvested. Find out when grape varieties are generally picked in the Napa Valley and why.
From Vine to Wine
From bud break to bottling, learn what it takes for a grape to become wine that lives up to Napa Valley’s reputation for quality.
How Cabernet Sauvignon is Made
Go from vineyard to glass and learn how Napa Valley’s most widely grown grape variety becomes wine.
How Chardonnay is Made
Chardonnay is probably the most well-known white wine grape. It originated in the Burgundy region of France, but it is grown all over the world.