California wine grapes

So far we are about 2-3 weeks ahead of the 'average' year. And the weather is perfect... sugars are really starting to shoot upward. And no heat wave in sight, so should be a good year. Believe it or not, if we get more than a couple of days in a row of 100 degree plus days at this time, the vine 'shuts down' sugar production, actually delaying ripening. Then it takes a week or so of 'normal' temperatures for the vines to get back to making more sugar.

Harvest date depends on the varietal and location.... Sauvignon Blanc is being harvested in the Clarksburg area of California (just south of Sacramento) starting this week. Chardonnay starts next week in the Central Valley.

First reds will be a few more weeks before first harvesting.

Gene

We (in Rdmonton) normally get the grapes the 1st or 2nd week in September, and it sounds from your comments that there should be no change this year (except for quality, sugar levels, etc..). Thanks for your reply, Gene, and Happy Winemaking.

- gA

gene wrote: