Napa harvest kicks off with Chardonnay picked first

The 2024 harvest is officially underway in Napa Valley, with grapes for white and sparkling wines picked first, and producers starting work from 5 August.

Winemakers in Napa Valley have been watching and waiting for their grapes for white and sparkling wines to reach ripeness, with many starting to harvest during the first week in August. This start date falls in line with previous vintages, though is “on the earlier side of average,” according to Ashely Egelhoff, winemaker at Honig Vineyard & Winery.

First to pick in Napa this year was Round Pond Estate on 5 August, with PEJU and Mumm Napa both following suit on 6 August. The first two early starters are located in the heart of Rutherford AVA, while Mumm has vineyards in Carneros AVA.

This year saw Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir destined for sparkling wine, picked first in Napa Valley, with Jeff Plant, winemaker for Round Pond lauding the quality of its Chardonnay grapes in particular.

“The brix came in exactly where we wanted for our Blanc de Blancs and sparkling brut, right between 18.3 and 18.7 brix with beautiful acidity and TA between 10.5 g/L and 11.5 g/L,” he said.

PEJU brought in its first load of Sauvignon Blanc grapes on 6 August, grown in southeast Napa. “It tastes fantastic and we’re loving the quality of what we’re seeing. Harvest is happening!” said Sara Fowler, vice president of winemaking and operations.

Mumm’s the word

Mumm Napa, an outpost of Champagne’s GM Mumm, established in California in the 1970s, works with more than 50 growers at harvest time.

“We want to pick when the acids are still bright and lively, and the sugars aren’t too high. We look for balance between the sugars and acids in the grapes. We like to see nice flavour development with bright, juicy acidity, the hallmark of a well-made sparkling wine,” said Tamra Lotz, winemaker for Mumm Napa.

Chandon in Yountville is expected to follow shortly.

“We are starting the Napa harvest this week with Chardonnay. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier aren’t far behind and will be picked the following day,” said Pauline Lhote, winemaking director for Chandon in Napa.

She added that the team at Chandon feels “fortunate for the cold nights which will let us pick in great conditions and preserve nice acidity.”

Robert Mondavi Winery is predicting to start their harvest the week of 19 August with its Sauvignon Blanc from estate vineyards in Oakville or Stag’s Leap District.

“I am excited for the 2024 vintage. Every year is a new opportunity to improve and make the best wines the vintage has to offer,” said director of winemaking Kurtis Ogasawara, for whom this will be his 15th vintage in Napa.

As for red varieties, Honig Vineyard & Winery anticipates it will begin picking in the first week of September.

“Right now, our best estimate on reds is shortly after Labor Day,” said Egelhoff.

Related news

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars gains regenerative certification

Registration now open for Premiere Napa Valley

How Penfolds' curiosity in California evolved into a full collection