Harvest is Upon Us

As July closes out and we enter August, it means but one thing . . . harvest is nigh upon us!  This morning I toured the Sauvignon blanc and Pinot noir vineyards on the estate, spending a little more time than usual in each block, looking more carefully at the fruit, tasting a few berries, noticing the condition of the canopies, looking at crop loads.  Such visits will become more and more frequent as the weeks pass by and the fruit ripens. 

Harvest is an exciting time for all of us in the winemaking biz.  Yes, it means long, tiring days are looming but it also means we’re about to start another vintage and that is a wonderful thing!  Harvest interns are on call, chomping at the bit to get a chance to experience what it’s like to really make wine.  We’re busy bottling up the past vintage to make room for the next.  New barrels are arriving.  Tanks are being scrubbed and sanitized.  The crush pad will soon be set up.  And interest in the weather forecast heightens!

By the end of the month Sauvignon blanc will be in house and the sweet smells of fermentation in the air.  Pinot noir will follow quickly and we’ll be off to the races!  Stay tuned . . . I’ll keep you updated on events as they unfold.  In the meantime, grab a bottle or three of your favorite Balverne wines (perfect time of year for rosé!) and join us in looking forward to a great Harvest 2017!