October is more than halfway over, and it always carries a different rhythm than September. September is full-on—warmer weather pushes grape ripening forward, and every day feels urgent. We’re constantly balancing the decision of when to pick: harvesting early enough to preserve acidity and freshness, while waiting just long enough for those lush, ripe fruit flavors to fully develop.
By contrast, October brings cooler temperatures and a more measured pace. The shift in weather stretches out the time between ripening stages, allowing flavors to deepen slowly. But with that comes a new balancing act—managing the gradual decline of the vine’s canopy, maintaining fruit integrity, and watching for the ripening of grape seeds.
That last factor is critical for red wines, especially those with finesse and balance. Seed ripeness is often overlooked, yet it sits right at the top of our list when deciding when to pick. All of this happens under the ticking clock of shortening days and fading warmth.
In warmer climates, other factors might take precedence when determining harvest timing. But whether in warm or cool regions, the art of choosing the perfect moment to harvest depends on weighing all these elements—then adapting as the weather inevitably changes.
So far, we’ve brought in all our earliest ripening red varieties: Lagrein, Shiraz, and Teroldego. Next up is Merlot, followed closely by Cabernet Franc and Malbec. If the sun continues to shine and the rain holds off (fingers crossed!), our latest ripening varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot—should have the time they need to reach full maturity.
Every year, our Head Winemaker Russell Hearn jokes with our longtime Vineyard Foreman, Hildo, about picking Petit Verdot in January. While it’s usually harvested in the first week of November—and occasionally the second—our “crystal ball” predicts harvest around October 30–31 this year.
It’s a beautiful, busy season here on the North Fork. The vines are slowing down, but the cellar is coming alive as new wines begin their journey from grape to glass. Stay tuned for more updates as we wrap up another memorable harvest and be sure to stop by the tasting room for a closer look at what’s happening!
