Just like farmers eagerly await the perfect ripeness of their apples or tomatoes, winemakers patiently monitor their grapes until they reach optimal flavor and sugar levels. That’s when they know it’s time to harvest!
What sets El Dorado’s wineries apart is our high elevation, which means our wine harvest is usually a little later than other wine regions. The cooler temperatures at higher altitudes mean our grapes ripen slower, extending the growing season.
This later harvest allows for more complex flavor development in the grapes, contributing to the unique character of our wines.
That said, the exact timing of grape harvest for our wineries varies – often by a lot.
For example, if we see a milder spring with no surprise weather (such as freezing temps and snow) negatively affecting grape flowering and fruit set, combined with consistent summer heat, then we get wine harvest starting here as early as August. But, if we get a super cold spring, which delays bud break and flowering, followed by a milder summer, the result is a much later start to harvest.
While the exact timing of harvest may fluctuate year to year, one thing is consistent – it’s a super busy time for our wineries!
Think of it like a big, delicious race against time. Grape pickers work long hours to carefully gather the grapes. Once picked, the grapes are rushed to the winery, where they’re turned into juice. This juice, or ‘must,’ is what eventually becomes wine.
You know how different apple varieties taste different? It’s the same with grapes. Different grapes make different kinds of wine.
So, winemakers have to be picky about when to pick each type. They’re always tasting and testing to make sure the grapes are just right. And when they decide they’re ready, it’s go time!
It’s a magical process, transforming these juicy grapes into something memorable you can enjoy with dinner or a good friend.
And the best part? The wine you’ll be sipping next year all starts with this crazy, hectic time in the fall.
