Harvest in the Napa Valley

We have had a long growing season for grapes– with good heat only in the last month or so. But first to the pumpkins. In case you missed it – CBS’ Sunday Morning featured Napa Valley’s Lee Hudson. Lee is a premier grower in Carneros – not only of grapes – but as on the tele this morning – of giant pumpkins. Giant means really big – 1,400 pounds – forklift size. While Lee was eclipsed by a 1,500 pounder in the Half Moon Bay contest – he brought notoriety to our Napa Valley. I understand our valley will also be featured on NBC this coming week.

Back to the other harvest – grapes – what a growing season. Cool through most of the summer – with some heat only in the last 6 weeks – saving us from a really late harvest. Hopefully the Sunday rain is just a dusting and we’ll have a windy warmer Monday to dry out.

There was some damage do to the intense heat of a few weeks ago, but overall reports are that the crop looks good – even great with the long season. At mid-October, the harvest is well underway in many parts of the valley – with the normal Cabernet coming in last – out there a week or so. If we can just stay dry with moderate warmth – the harvest should wrap up fine and produce another great vintage.