White wines are in full swing and some winemakers are starting to bring in their early ripening red varieties like Pinot Noir, Merlot and Zinfandel. While many are still patiently waiting for the bulk of their red wine grapes to start rolling in, everyone can agree that these warm days and cool nights are perfect for that last bit of development. The grapes that are still on the vine are looking very good, yields appear to be consistent with last year and quality looks to be outstanding. Cabernet Sauvignon should be making its appearance on crush pads in the next week or so.

Bins filled with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are slowly making their way from vineyards to winery crush pads throughout the valley. For white varieties already harvested, we’re seeing a balance of acidity and floral notes. This first “peek” portends a promising vintage, highlighting balance, freshness and maturity. 

While we are still weeks away from reds being picked, our members are keeping themselves busy, very busy. Winemakers are walking vineyards, sampling grapes and ensuring each vine is getting just the right amount of sun, shade and water. In the winery, winemakers are carefully tending to the newly crushed juice as it begins its transformation into the 2019 vintage.

The first fruit of harvest 2019 is in! Mumm Napa and Judd’s Hill are just a few members whose fruit made its way from vineyard to crush pad in the last couple of days. Picking of white wine grapes, such as Sauvignon Blanc, will start in the next week to 14 days. Recent warm temperatures are nudging the transition from veraison to full ripeness. The timing of this early stage of harvest is just around average, with winemakers generally pleased with how this year’s crop is shaping up. Winery teams are gearing up for their busiest time of year, bottling recent vintages and making tank space available for what’s to come.

We are just a few weeks away from the start of Napa Valley’s 2019 harvest. Winemakers are gearing up for their busy season, bottling recent vintages and making tank space for what’s to come. Right now, winemakers are walking their vineyards, keeping an eye on what’s happening.

Harvest represents the peak of 12 months of rigorous work and concentrated effort. It’s also the time when we come together with the common goal of producing the best possible wines that deserve to say Napa Valley on the label. We hope you’ll join us for updates, photos, videos, music and the stories of just what’s behind every bottle of Napa Valley wine.