We began harvest on August 31st and have been picking small amounts of fruit daily. The pace is picking up though, and I have several larger picks scheduled through next week.
We have been harvesting Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and oddly enough some Phelps Syrah, which usually is picked 2-3 weeks later in the season. Equally surprising is the fact we are just now beginning to harvest Chardonnay. It is typically ready at the start of the picking season.
The weather has been perfect for harvest. The temperatures have cooled significantly so far this month. Our days have been in the 70’s and the nights in the 40’s. We had one brief rainfall to clean a summer’s worth of hot weather off the plants, and the vines look quite happy.
So far the yields are close to target, and I think the fruit is looking very good. This is just the beginning of harvest, but I am happy with what I am seeing.