Clearly the pace of harvesting white grapes is picking up. Wes Steffens is very pleased with his Chardonnay, which has great chemistry and a larger crop than last year. Pam Bergman is also very pleased with her Chardonnay harvest with a slightly higher yield and wonderful flavors. Smith-Madrone will be finishing our Riesling by week’s end. Andy Schweiger is waiting just a little bit longer before starting his red grape harvest. Frank Schaefer of York Creek really likes the way his red grapes and clusters are looking, as well as a slightly larger crop than last year. David Tate at Barnett is looking to start some Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. What is very clear is that the next several weeks will be extremely busy for Spring Mountain winegrowers.
Written by Stuart Smith, Smith-Madrone Winery, published in Napa Valley Register
Photo: Schweiger Vineyards