Harvest Update: 25 August, 2025

As August winds down, it is obvious that the real beginning and “crush” of harvest will begin in September.  

There have been a few “early birds” recently; neighbor Jack Varozza on Pratt Avenue has picked Sauvignon Blanc.  Quality and quantity are good.  Within a couple weeks his Zinfandel should be ripe and ready.

I do not like to use the phrase, since no two harvests are same, but it appears that we are in for a “normal” harvest.  Mild heat spikes have been noticeable, but for the record: when the temperature reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the vines simply shut down in terms of sugar accumulation.  So far, so good.

Cheers,

Tom Rinaldi

Written by Tom Rinaldi, Patent Wines, published in Napa Valley Register