Early harvest?

For the past few years our harvest has come earlier than usual, and this year may continue that streak. Even though it is too early to tell, the odds are yes it will be an early harvest. The real question is, how early?

Most vineyards are showing signs of maturity that usually occur in late June, and by many accounts we feel that we are one to two weeks ahead in the growing cycle than a normal year. For instance we normally begin harvesting chardonnay in Carneros around September 20; this year that may be September 6, as with vintage 2013.

It all, of course, depends on the weather. If it is hot in July and August we could see harvest around September 1. On the flip side, a cool summer will slow growth.

This year being ahead so much in the growing cycle would warrant a cool summer. Even a cool September, after a hot summer, would allow us to hang the fruit a little longer. A little more hang time could add to the quality of the fruit. So an earlier growing season can enhance fruit quality if we have a cool fall time during crush (harvest).

Most vineyards have a great crop, and seasons like this allows us to hang a little more fruit knowing that it will mature in time for harvest before the rains. The main issue with grape growing is that we don’t know what Mother Nature is going to give us later in the year, and we have to be prepared for the worst.

The worst-case scenario would be early rains, especially for our Pinot Noirs and chardonnays, so an earlier harvest would be great.

What Sonoma needs are 80 to 90 degree temperatures in July and August and a cool September allowing us to hang our fruit before we begin our harvest — a few weeks early?

So if you are throwing a harvest party, you may want to call the caterers now.

David Cook owns and operates Cook Vineyard Management and hosts “In the Vine Country” on KSVY 91.3 FM every Tuesday at 4 p.m. To learn more about the world of viticulture, contact him at 707.490.8921 orcvmgrapes.com.