It’s amazing how quickly time flies – the 2016 Napa Harvest is already under way! The first Napa Valley grapes were picked on July 28 in southern Napa to make Mumm Napa’s sparkling wine. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes will be harvested next over the next week. With the warm weather the consensus is that Harvest is occurring at about the same time as last year.
Also heard through the grapevine is that this year’s crop is expected to be larger than 2015’s, which is great news for the growers and hopefully for consumers as well! If you are touring Napa Valley within the next few weeks, you will see vineyard management in full swing: pruning vines, adjusting the canopy and resetting irrigation.
Be sure to book your trip early as large crowds develop the end of August through mid October. If you pick your wine venues carefully during harvest time, you can experience hand sorting of the grapes, grape pressing, the pump-over process and incredible cave tours. No doubt about it, this is where the action is at this time of year!
Hope you are enjoying the summer with a bottle of your favorite varietal! Cheers!
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