We (in Rdmonton) normally get the grapes the 1st or 2nd week in
September, and it sounds from your comments that there should be
no change this year (except for quality, sugar levels, etc..).
Thanks for your reply, Gene, and Happy Winemaking.
- gA

gene wrote:
> gA wrote:
>> Does anyone know when grapes are going to be available to winemakers,
>> this year? Some say that the heat might make the harvest a bit
>> earlier. Thanks.
>> - gA
>
> So far we are about 2-3 weeks ahead of the 'average' year. And the
> weather is perfect... sugars are really starting to shoot upward. And
> no heat wave in sight, so should be a good year. Believe it or not, if
> we get more than a couple of days in a row of 100 degree plus days at
> this time, the vine 'shuts down' sugar production, actually delaying
> ripening. Then it takes a week or so of 'normal' temperatures for the
> vines to get back to making more sugar.
>
> Harvest date depends on the varietal and location.... Sauvignon Blanc
> is being harvested in the Clarksburg area of California (just south of
> Sacramento) starting this week. Chardonnay starts next week in the
> Central Valley.
>
> First reds will be a few more weeks before first harvesting.
>
> Gene