The 2023 harvest at many northern California vineyards started a couple of weeks later than usual, and many winemakers say their 2023 grape crop will soon become exceptional wine. This year’s milder summer resulted in slower ripening, so winemakers had grapes stay on the vines for longer “hang time”. More hang time not only increases ripening, it can bring more interesting flavors to wine grapes. Each day that grape clusters are on the vine, the more the vine’s roots can transmit a little more character to the fruit. Each day the grapes are in the sun, their skins get a little thicker and the color a little more intense.
The trick is to time the harvest BEFORE heavy rains arrive. A little moisture is ok, gets the dust of the grapes and can even help the vines continue photosynthesis to finish grape ripening. But too much rain can lead to fungus and can even plump up grapes, diluting the acids and sugars. Late summer rains in Washington state, Oregon, and areas north of the SF Bay Area drove winemakers to pick when they could, rather than wait too long.
Net: winemakers up and down the state are saying the grapes this year are excellent. Watch for 2023 vintage wines when they release — they should be yummy!
