The first grapes destined for sparkling wine have arrived at the crush pad in Napa Valley, signaling the start of the 2026 harvest. While harvest marks the beginning of another vintage, it also transforms Napa Valley into one of the most exciting destinations where visitors can experience winemaking in real time.
Harvest Begins
Sparkling wine grapes are among the first to be brought in each year to preserve the bright acidity and freshness that define great sparkling wines. Round Pond Estate kicked off this year’s harvest with six and a half tons from their Rutherford, CA estate vineyard on Tuesday, July 21. For Round Pond Estate’s winemaker Jeff Plant, timing is everything.
“We are looking for the stars to align. We need acid, sugar and flavor to all be in sync at the exact same moment,” said Plant. “Sparkling is arguably the most difficult pick to call because your pick window is so tight.”
This year’s first pick is earlier than usual, but not far off of the 2015 harvest which began on July 22, 2015. Fruit for Mumm Napa and Schramsberg will soon follow, both with picks planned on Thursday, July 23. Tami Lotz, winemaker at Mumm, said “The fruit is looking and tasting great!”
Those who have not begun are getting ready. Among many other countless preparations, the team at OVID Napa Valley is focused on finishing the 2025 blends before the first grapes arrive .
Niki Williams, winemaker at Cakebread Cellars has been sampling Sauvignon Blanc blocks three weeks sooner than last year “to make sure Brix levels don’t sneak up on us.” She predicts their first Sauvignon Blanc will come in July 29-31.
Experience Harvest Firsthand
Vineyards and wineries come alive with the sights, sounds and aromas of the season as grapes arrive from the vineyard, fermentation begins and another Napa Valley vintage starts to take shape.
Throughout harvest, wineries welcome guests with grape stomps, vineyard experiences, winemaker dinners and other special events that capture the excitement of the season.
Whether joining PEJU’s Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp , celebrating One Harvest, Many Stories with Battuello Vineyards, MTGA Wines and Hunter Glenn, or attending one of many other events, visitors have an opportunity to experience Napa Valley during its most dynamic season.
A full calendar of events can be found at NapaValley.wine .
Follow the 2026 Vintage
Throughout the year, Napa Valley Vintners share updates from vineyards and wineries across the valley, including observations, milestones, winemaker perspectives and behind-the-scenes stories that capture the spirit of harvest.
Follow the 2026 Napa Valley vintage at HarvestNapa.com .
As the pace builds, Napa Valley’s winegrowing community will once again come together to shape another vintage, one vineyard block at a time.
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Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) announces the next installment of the “Why Wine?” campaign, a movement dedicated to celebrating the authentic story of wine. With consumer preferences rapidly evolving and new competition emerging in the marketplace, the campaign focuses on uniting the industry to ensure wine remains an essential part of a modern, healthy lifestyle.
NVV launched the initiative in summer of 2024. To encourage more involvement and the continuation of the campaign, dozens of “Why Wine?” videos were captured at the Premiere Napa Valley wine auction in February. Industry members shared their personal stories and insights about what makes wine so special. These heartfelt videos are now available for viewing on YouTube at the Why Wine Video Playlist. Also attending Premiere Napa Valley was podcaster Ray Fister of Life Between the Vines who asked the question, “Why is wine important?” to guests and winemakers at the event.
The “Why Wine?” campaign highlights the exceptional craftsmanship, passion and dedication that goes into every bottle. From the storied history to the artistry of winemaking, the movement emphasizes the distinctive process that elevates wine beyond just a beverage.
“The wine industry has always thrived as a close-knit community with shared values. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for us to come together to secure the future of wine. In addition to ‘Why Wine?’, we are also excited to support similar initiatives, such as Come Over October and Share and Pair Sundays, that help bring wine to the forefront of consumers’ minds,” said Stacey Dolan Capitani, Vice President of Marketing at Napa Valley Vintners.
In addition to Napa Valley wineries taking part, a wide range of participants have included wineries such as Bruliam Wines in Sonoma County, CA, BACA Wines in Healdsburg, CA and McPrice Myers Wines in Paso Robles, CA; wine writers Karen MacNeil, Jonathan Cristaldi, Madeline Puckette and Maria Hunt; wine business leaders Nick Pegna of Sotheby’s, Gary Fisch of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace and Jonathan Feiler from The Boca Raton; wine personalities Somm Vivant – Amanda McCrossin, Attorney Somm – John Jackson and Cellar Mouse – Rachel Dickinson; and wine media companies Wine Likes App and Colangelo & Partners.
The “Why Wine?” campaign aims to ensure wine remains a staple in the homes and hearts of people everywhere. Wineries, winegrowers, industry partners and wine enthusiasts who take part can help inspire both new and experienced wine drinkers to discover why wine is truly unique among beverages.
For more information and to support “Why Wine?”, visit napavalley.wine/why-wine.
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