Thinning leaves at Benovia Vineyards in the Russian River Valley
Vineyard Workers in action
These vineyard workers are indispensable throughout the growing season. In this photo, these workers are thinning the leaves among the Pinot Noir vines at the Benovia Winery in the Russian River Valley. By all accounts these vineyard workers will soon be harvesting grapes. Before harvest approaches, pruning is required several times, depending upon vineyard management decisions. Shoots and leaves are cut, causing the vine to spend more energy to grow fruit. Often times grape clusters are dropped, leaving fewer clusters on the vine. This gives the berries on the cluster more intense flavor at harvest time. By all accounts, this year’s harvest is well ahead of the normal. Some vineyard managers tell us two weeks ahead, but in some areas they say even more than that. On Wednesday, July 30, Mumm in the Napa Valley will begin harvesting grapes for their sparkling wine. When harvest occurs, there will be a flurry of activity during the early morning hours until around 9 or 10 a.m. Grapes must be picked during the coolest part of the day. Look for more reports on this blog on the harvest in the next few weeks.