Let the winemaking begin

Collecting the grapes

Grape harvest season in Napa Valley is just about here. Already, the winemakers have pulled the first few grapes off the vine and tasted them to see if they’re ripe. At some vineyards the grapes are harvested mechanically, but at others they’re harvested by hand. Harvesting by hand is obviously a lot more work, but in many cases it results in a much better wine. Mechanical harvesting means shaking the grapes until they fall off the vine, which can rupture some of them. However the grapes are harvested, they must be sorted by hand. Grapes that are green, moldy or shriveled have to be removed. Then they’re taken to the winery to be crushed, which takes less time if the winery is at the vineyards.

Wine clubs sometimes hold tours of vineyards and Napa wineries to teach their members about this process. This will help you appreciate of the arts of viticulture and winemaking. Since everyone in the winery is busy with the harvest, this is a better time to schedule a tour for later in the year. Tasting is a part of these tours. Tasting fees can be anywhere from $5 to $50 per person.

One of the best Napa wineries near St. Helena

Some of the best California wines come from Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards in Napa Valley. Just a 10-minute drive from downtown St. Helena, these vineyards produce world-class wines at affordable prices. By ordering six bottles or more per year, you can join their wine club, giving you discounts on many of their finest wines.