It’s official: the first picks of Harvest 2024 in Napa Valley started this week. This year Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, destined for sparkling wine, and Sauvignon Blanc, picked for a vibrant, crisp style of white wine were picked on the first two days of harvest in Napa Valley.

“We want to pick when the acids are still bright and lively, and the sugars aren’t too high. We look for a balance between the sugars and acids in the grapes. We like to see nice flavor development with bright, juicy acidity, the hallmark of a well-made sparkling wine,” said Tamra Lotz, winemaker for Mumm Napa.

Winemakers report that this year’s start to harvest is about average compared to the first day of harvest for other vintages. Ashley Egelhoff, winemaker at Honig Vineyard & Winery is planning her first Sauvignon Blanc pick on or around August 13. “Looking at our historical growing degree days, we match up closely with warmer years. Right now, our best estimate on reds is shortly after Labor Day.”

Catch up with the 2024 season and see what vintners have been doing to prepare for by following #Harvest2024 in social media!