Reports from the vineyards indicate that this year’s extreme weather, particularly the sustained heat waves, will likely impact the size of the harvest. Early estimates suggest an average size crop of excellent quality. However, in the past few weeks farmers report some significant weight loss in grapes due to the heat, which caused some growers and vintners to pick grapes earlier than they had planned.
Rain in the middle of the month forced farmers to check their grapes, open up the canopy, and in some instances use large blowers in the vineyards to dry out certain varieties prior to harvesting. Currently, about 70 percent of Sonoma County grapes have been harvested.
The other ongoing challenge facing Sonoma County wine grape growers is the availability of labor and the logistics of moving crews and equipment around the county. While there is not a critical shortage this season, the labor supply remains tight to the point that some growers are not harvesting on the day they want because workers are not available. Despite all the weather fluctuations and current labor supply, most growers still anticipate harvest being completed by mid-October.