As temperatures increase, so does the intensity of this year’s harvest. Many producers throughout the valley have been busy bringing in Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and other aromatic whites. Just when we thought it would be another average harvest, Mother Nature has thrown us a curve ball: a prolonged heat wave is keeping winemakers on their toes. Grape bins are being filled with the more delicate grape varieties ensuring they are picked ahead of the heat spike. While crush pads and tank rooms are bustling, the real work is in the vineyards right now ensuring fruit has proper canopy protection or shade cloth to protect it from the elements. The weather might have winemakers moving up picking schedules, but everyone is waiting with open arms to meet the abundance of fruit hitting the crush pad.