White wine varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc) are being picked along the valley floor while the remaining fruit, mostly red varieties, continues to mature in our moderately warm temperatures. During most years white varieties are harvested first and the reds come in later. Depending on the weather, however, grapes may be picked earlier or later.
Harvest crews are up before dawn harvesting during the coolest hours. Harvesting during the chilly predawn hours helps to bring grapes in at their peak - a cool grape is less likely to crush during transit, holding in juice and avoiding skin contact too soon. With temperatures ranging over the one-hundred mark in some areas, crews are working long hours into the night and in the early morning hours to bring in grapes before sugar levels range too high.
Driving past wineries in the cool hours at the end of the day, the air is full of the scent of freshly pressed grapes.