An exhilarating time to experience Sonoma County Wine Country is during the harvest, which for the second year in a row, began as one of the earliest on record.
“Growers have kept a fast pace since the start of harvest here in Sonoma County,” said Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. “For some, picking schedules that usually occur over the course of a month have been condensed into a one or two week time frame this season.”
By Labor Day, the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir had already been picked in the Russian River Valley and the vines were starting to yellow. The vineyard activity was quiet, however, the cellar workers were in high gear!
Littorai Wines, Sebastopol ~ Sorting Table
Dutton Estate, Russian River Valley ~ Field Bins
Unti Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley ~ Field Bins
“One of our longtime grape growers likes to describe farming as a dance with Mother Nature, and she is always leading,” says Kruse. “Despite this year’s inconsistent weather patterns and drought conditions throughout the growing season, grapes clusters have ripened and matured at optimal levels, resulting in exceptional quality and flavors. This year’s vintage may be remembered as challenging, yet all the hard work will be rewarded with what’s in the bottle in the coming years.”
Stryker-Sonoma, Alexander Valley ~ De-Stemming/Press Operation
Fog Crest Vineyard, Russian River Valley ~ Crush Pad
Jordan Winery, Alexander Valley ~ Fermentation Storage Tank
Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, Windsor ~ Field Bins
Cheers to a spectacular 2015 Vintage and for those who helped make it possible!