What’s happening in the vineyards as harvest progresses? The Turrentine Grape Team will be highlighting what they are hearing and seeing in the vineyards throughout California every week. 

Central Coast

• Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot are all ripening at the same time, earlier sites of these varieties are being harvested within days of each other
• Paso Robles Crop looks average for Bordeaux varieties with the exception of Merlot having a potential for being above average despite accelerated maturity
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  Byron, Eastern Contra Costa County Syrah. Photo by Erica Moyer

  Santa Barbara Pinot Noir coming in fast

• Harvest appears, as of now, to be 10-14 days ahead of the last few years depending upon the variety and region
• Monterey County Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have sized well.  Chardonnay harvest has just started and the crop looks good.  Pinot Noir harvest is around the corner.

Interior

• Early varieties are in:  Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, White Riesling.  Yields were up and down.  Call it average!
• Merlot and Pinot Noir are rolling in.  Some Cabernet Sauvignon has started to roll in as well.
• White Zinfandel is still being harvested.
• The earlier cooler temps helped in sizing.
• The little heat spurt did not hurt before the cool down as Fall is upon us, September 22.

North Coast

Russian River Pinot Noir. Photo by Alicia Kump

• Sauvignon Blanc is looking pretty big, about 75% picked. Napa and Lake County is above average. Sonoma is average to above average
• Pinot Noir is looking big overall, Napa sparkling picked out above average
• Chardonnay is just starting for still wine
• Cabernet Sauvignon is starting to pick (hillside with shallow soils), still a long way before we have a good idea on CS
• Merlot across NC looks like a decent crop, potential to be above average
  

  Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Photo by Mike Needham