By mid-October, vintners throughout the Napa Valley were breathing a collective sigh of relief – and satisfaction – for the end of this year’s harvest. The near-perfect growing season started early, saw ideal weather conditions throughout and wrapped up as the valley’s first significant fall rainstorm arrived on October 14. Wines from the 2016 vintage Read the full article…

Thanks to a recent series of warm days, many vineyards progressed to perfect ripeness resulting in a grape picking frenzy at the end of September. October started with some light showers that settled the dust, but did not threaten any grapes remaining on the vine. With warm temperatures predicted for at least the next week, Read the full article…

Like an amusement park ride, recent temperatures have gone up, hovering at 100 degrees on the 18th; back down, to the low 50s overnight midweek; and now they’re headed back up with another 100 degree day predicted on the 25th. The result? Picking of white wine grapes is essentially done. Most of the medium-bodied reds, Read the full article…

Perfect weather continues, stretching this year’s harvest for more than six weeks so far. Vintners from Carneros to Calistoga are reporting that aromatic white grapes like Sauvignon Blanc are mostly off the vine. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir harvests are winding down and the first reds – like Zinfandel, Syrah and a smattering of Merlot and Read the full article…