Crush Nears in Sonoma’s Vineyards

 

Gone is the haze from weeks ago. Today in the Sonoma Valley, Darrell Sano found not a hint of the “film” that for so many weeks had obscured the beauty of its wine country.

Instead, the air was crisp and clear with nothing to tint brilliant morning light. Though the air is clear, fall color has not yet arrived in any significance, Darrell reported. From Arnold Drive and back along CA-12, there are only spots of color and narrow bands of gold on the lower edge of the vines.

Regardless, there is ample fall color to be enjoyed in the heavy clusters of purple grapes awaiting harvest. Similarly in the Sierra Foothills, Pleasant Valley vines are still green, though many have now been picked.

Mid-October is when grape leaves are expected to blush in scarlet, amber, and international orange tones. 

Sonoma Valley – Just Starting (0-10%)