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

STARS of Napa 2021 At Home Edition set for March 10-11 & 19-20 March 1st – Wine host Ian Blackburn has gathered some of Napa Valley’s greatest for a memorable series of tastings – LIVE with the winemakers! Travel with us via Zoom and have the wines delivered to your home to taste and experience […] The post STARS of Napa 2021 | At Home Edition appeared first on Wine Industry Advisor. Url:https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2021/03/01/stars-of-napa-2021-at-home-edition?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stars-of-napa-2021-at-home-edition Published Date:Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:00:42 +0000