Napa Valley Grapes

Napa Valley
Harvest

Each year from August through October, the Napa Valley comes alive with the excitement and rush of harvest.

Tending to the grapevines is a year-round process, but this is the time when the vineyards and the wineries bustle with workers racing to pick grapes at their peak ripeness.

The entire valley is filled with the wonderful smells of harvest and you'll find ideal warm autumn weather.

 

 
 

The Stages of Harvest

Grapes for sparkling wines are the usually first to be picked, often in early August, marking the start of "crush". And soon after, most of the white wines make their way from the vineyard to the crush pad.

Harvest continues through late October – sometimes early November – for red varieties, as they take a bit longer to reach full maturation. Harvesting of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the Napa Valley begins later than most other varieties and typically lasts the longest.

Late-harvest wines are made from grapes left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to get riper and produce more highly concentrated sugars. Harvesting of these grapes can last until December.

The conclusion of harvest leads into Cabernet Season, where the winemakers can finally take a moment to relax and appreciate the fruits of their labor.

White Wine Grapes in Napa Valley
Red Wine Grapes Being Harvested
 

2022 Napa Valley Harvest

2022 Don't Miss Harvest Parties

2022 Don't Miss Harvest Parties

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we aren’t talking about Christmas yet! In Napa Valley, we’re talking about harvest – and it is officially underway. As a matter of fact, the first grapes were picked on August 2nd making this harvest season...

Want to learn more about this year's harvest?

Want to learn more about this year's harvest?

Get the play-by-play on the harvest from our friends at the Napa Valley Vintners

 

Harvest FAQ

When do we harvest grapes in Napa Valley?


Napa Valley harvest process & events

How can I participate in Harvest in Napa Valley?


Napa Valley Harvest Parties

Can I stomp grapes at Napa Valley wineries?


Grape Stomping and Hands-on Harvest Events

When is peak season in Napa Valley?


Learn about Napa Valley harvest season
 

The Harvest Process

Harvest workers bring in Napa Valley grapes

1

Vineyard crews work morning and night throughout the vineyards to deliver the year's crop to the crushpads

 

Harvest workers sort grapes

2

Harvest workers sort the grapes, removing leaves, twigs, bugs, unripe and damaged fruit

 

Fermenting red grapes during the harvest process

3

After crushing and pressing, the grapes ferment on their skins – this process can last days to a month

 

Napa Valley Wine Barrels

4

The wine is finally set to age in barrels or steel tanks – this process can last months to years