The first wine grapes of the 2016 vintage were picked on July 28 at Green Island Vineyard in southern Napa County and have made their way from the vineyard to the crush pad to become Mumm Napa sparkling wine. The picking of aromatic white wine grapes, like Sauvignon Blanc, will start in the next week to 10 days. Recent warm temperatures are helping the grapes transition from veraison to full ripeness. The beginning of this year’s harvest is somewhat earlier than average, but similar to start dates of the past three years. Winemakers are gearing up for their busy season, bottling recent vintages and making tank space for what’s to come. They’re also out walking the vineyards deciding the perfect moment to pick.