This is the glorious time of year starting late August through October when vineyard crews work around the clock to bring the grapes in. Depending on weather conditions, crews will work in the dead of night through the wee hours in the morning harvesting grapes to be processed into wine. The vineyard manager checks the pH and brix (sugar content) and signals when to harvest. Grapes for sparkling with low acid such as Chardonnay will be picked first, with most red grapes harvested in October signaling the end of the season. Some vineyards will leave grapes to hang concentrating the sugar content inside the grape for late harvest and ice wines. Wineries will often host a nice harvest party for all the workers who helped bring the grapes in, working very long hours.
September Grape Harvest
