The 2025 grape harvest in California has begun, kicking off with early selections of sparkling and white wines, while red varietals are following closely behind. After an unusually cool and foggy July that caused some concern among growers, August brought a modest temperature increase, allowing for a steady ripening process, albeit a week or more behind the previous year’s pace.
Concerns were heightened by the Pickett Fire near Calistoga, which, as of early September, was nearly 90% contained. Thankfully, most vineyards and wineries were unaffected directly, though fears of smoke taint linger. Throughout the state, winemakers are maintaining cautious optimism regarding the potential quality of the fruit being harvested.
Sonoma County
In Sonoma County, winemakers are noticing a slower pace compared to the prior year. Derek Baljeu from Knights Bridge noted a quieter tempo, with their first Sauvignon Blanc picked on August 28. Wineries along the West Sonoma Coast have started harvesting Pinot Noir, while Cabernet Sauvignon and others still wait on the vines.
Catherine Kistler from Occidental shared that the protracted foggy summer required diligent canopy management to counter humidity but noted that current grape quality resembles the outstanding 2023 vintage. Similarly, Jasmine Hirsch of Cazadero expressed optimism that the prolonged maturation period bodes well for high quality.
As harvest begins to gain momentum, Centennial Mountain sees its first reds entering tanks, while Rodney Strong anticipates early September fruit from both the Russian River and Alexander Valley.
Mendocino County
The harvest in Mendocino has progressed more slowly, especially for still wines. Some sparkling producers have already initiated their harvest, but the Anderson Valley’s Pinot Noir is not expected until late September. Jason Drew from Drew Wines remarked on lower yields this year but found his older, dry-farmed blocks thriving. The breezy conditions have also helped mitigate mildew issues, leading to a promising fruit quality.
Napa Valley
In Napa Valley, the summer has been relatively cool and evenly paced, facilitating careful vineyard management. However, the Pickett Fire’s proximity has caused concern for potential smoke-related losses. Barrett Anderson from Spring Mountain Vineyard is worried about possible damage affecting their fruit and is preparing for laboratory testing, despite optimistic signs regarding the rest of the vineyard’s health.
Santa Cruz Mountains
The weather in Santa Cruz Mountains has oscillated, with a warm spring initially leading to early growth halted by a foggy July. In August, warmer temperatures resumed the progression of ripening. Jeff Brinkman of Rhys Winery remarked that, while behind last year’s pace, the current fruit quality is encouraging, indicating that September will critically influence whether this vintage becomes iconic.
Paso Robles
Paso Robles, having seen a benign year, is on track with a harvest running a week behind the previous year. Jason Haas from Tablas Creek highlighted the favorable conditions leading to balanced fruit chemistry, despite light yields in the previous year.
Market Pressures
Despite encouraging weather patterns, the 2025 harvest faces broader challenges. Many growers express concern over market saturation and unsold fruit, impacting profitability. Labor issues, particularly stemming from visa restrictions affecting international workers, add further strain. As the industry adjusts to these challenges, the upcoming months will be pivotal for both quality and economic outcomes in California wine country.