With rain showers looming, the Northern California grape harvest is in full swing. After a long, rainy winter and spring, bud break got off to a late start and was followed by one of the coolest summers in the last 60 years. According to Napa winegrower David Beckstoffer, those who managed their vines well during the unusual season are harvesting good quality, ripe grapes with excellent color and slightly lower brix levels than are typical of the region. During the unusually cool summer, foggy mornings created conditions favorable for mildew.