What makes certain grapes come in ahead of others? Since all grape vines are in the ground and don’t get planted each spring (like tomatoes, for example), the grapes themselves follow their natural growth cycle each year. And, like the humans who tend them, some are early and some are late. Whites always tend to Read the full article…

Last week we caught up with Tom Garrett, winemaker and partner at Napa Valley’s Dakota Shy. Tom took a break from a busy crush pad to give us an update on their first grapes – beautiful Sauvignon Blanc grapes from Rutherford – coming into the winery. Things move fast around here and by the time Read the full article…

Last weekend’s rainfall didn’t bother Napa Valley growers, who remain upbeat as they harvest white varietals like Sauvignon Blanc. Many growers say they’re still weeks away from harvesting their reds, but anticipation is building. “There is a strong, quiet optimism building around the valley,” reports Louis Kapcsandy from Yountville. “If Mother Nature is kind, the Read the full article…

The latest news from Jesse Duarte of the SH Star: “The recent mild weather provides slow, even ripening, which is a hallmark of our best vintages,” Bill Dyer reported from Diamond Mountain. “The July heat came when grape berries were small and hard, but as they soften up post-veraison, they are more susceptible to heat Read the full article…

We met up with Richard Salvestrin of Salvestrin to see what the next few weeks of grape growing will bring for the #2024vintage. This is the time of year when winemakers, grape growers and enologists start to plan for grapes coming into the winery. They walk the vineyards and test along the way so they Read the full article…