(Wines&Vines) - Two major, landlocked Northern California wine producing regions were well prepared for the searing heat wave Labor Day weekend. Livermore Valley and Lake County growers reported their harvests are coming in on schedule, and some are reaping heavier tonnage than in recent years. 

The Livermore crush began late in August: Steven Kent Winery picked 50 tons of Sauvignon Blanc grapes during five days starting Aug. 26, winemaker Steven Mirassou reported. The harvest began eight days later than the previous two years. Mirassou expected to begin harvesting Sangiovese Sept. 13. Tonnage for Sauvignon Blanc was up 14% compared to 2016. “If you are on top of your spraying regime, you shouldn’t have much in the way of disease pressure,” he said.