(Wines&Vines) - Abundant, consistent winter rains replenished reservoirs, rivers and aquifers, leaving moist soils to fuel a mild growing season in Sonoma County vineyards. From the Carneros district in the southeastern county to Russian River Valley in the northwest, producers of sparkling wines are just beginning to harvest.

In the final week of July, Karissa Kruse, president of Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) reported that vines benefited from moderate temperatures and bright sunshine throughout the spring and summer months, contributing to a balanced, optimal growing pace for wine grapes. 

Véraison was still as low as 10% in some vineyards and as high as 70% in some blocks, Kruse said. Grapegrowers were reporting that a majority of Pinot Noir blocks in Russian River Valley and the Sonoma Coast were roughly 30%-50% through véraison; Cabernet Sauvignon in Alexander Valley is roughly 15%-30%; Merlot in Dry Creek Valley is 60%-70%, while Zinfandel in that region is around 50%, and in Sonoma Valley véraison has started for Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

“Overall, véraison is tracking normal for this time of year,” Kruse summarized, adding that she anticipates an average-sized crop for 2016.