Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/718029
September 2016 WINES&VINES 17 WINE INDUSTRY NEWS son. Véraison arrived a bit slower than in 2015, and Nick De Luca, winemaker at Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards, estimated a close to normal harvest based on the 10-year average. Norm Yost at Flying Goat Cellars said Pinot Noir harvest for sparkling production began at Bien Nacido Vineyards on July 27, a week or two earlier than in 2015. Still too early to predict yields, he commented, "I did notice that none of the vineyards were dropping any fruit." In Paso Robles, véraison had just begun July 15, on par with 2015 but three weeks earlier than average, said Lucas Pope at Halter Ranch. A late June heat spike had stressed early ripen- ing varieties. Still, he predicted good crop load superior to 2015. The Livermore Valley growing season was slightly behind Paso. By mid-July, winemaker Julian Halasz at Darcie Kent Vineyards said he expected his grapes to start véraison in about a week, slightly early for the region. At Las Positas Vineyards, on the other hand, winemaker Brent Amos reported that véraison began with Chardonnay, he added that Sangio- vese and Barbera followed, again slightly ear- lier than in 2015. Larry Dino, owner of Cuda Ridge Wines, said his center valley vineyard blocks are planted in rocky soil and tend to be some of the earliest vineyards to be harvested, provid- ing a good barometer of projecting harvest. Overall crop size looks to be above average; fruit set is much better than in 2015. In El Dorado County vineyards, véraison appeared about a week later than 2015, but ahead of historic normal, according to Greg Boeger at Boeger Winery. Crop load for this part of the Sierra Foothills appeared heavier than last year, but still within the realm of average. Seasonal vineyard labor remains a major concern for growers and wineries in every area of the state—more difficult than ever and getting worse, according to Urberg at Gloria Ferrer. —Jane Firstenfeld A picking crew harvests Pinot Meunier from Green Island Vineyard for Mumm Napa on July 28.