Sonoma County’s wine grape harvest is officially underway, marking the earliest start to the season in at least forty years.
The Press Democrat reports crews began picking Pinot Noir Thursday morning at Dutton Ranch’s Jewell Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. An unusual weather pattern in March left vines with a much lighter crop, causing the grapes to ripen weeks ahead of schedule.
Growers report that yields for this first pick are down about thirty-five percent compared to a normal year.
Despite the smaller crop, vintners say the quality of the fruit is excellent as other local vineyards prepare to start picking next week.
