(Wines&Vines) - An early vintage is getting started in the North Coast, where a few vintners are picking grapes this week for their sparkling and rosé wine programs.

While the 2013 vintage arrived earlier than normal, some growers see signs that 2014 will be even earlier. They’re happy to report though that grape quality is comparable to 2012 and 2013, and yields are expected to be slightly above average if not as big as in 2013.

Harvest has already begun in the Temecula Valley AVA as well as other areas of Southern California and the Central Valley.

Anthony Weytjens, the Northern California regional manager and winemaker for Atlas Vineyard Management, said picking will start this week but the big start will come next week.

He said the company is picking grapes for sparkling wine in the Russian River AVA of Sonoma County on Wednesday, and that is a record early start for Atlas, which manages 1,600 acres from California’s Central Coast north to Mendocino County and Oregon. Ripening is occurring about 10 to 14 days earlier than normal. The winemaker noted still wine grapes in the Santa Rita Hills AVA are ripening even earlier. “In my opinion the early drought has made the phenological cycle start earlier, which is why we are seeing everything develop quicker,” he said. “I also see smaller clusters with smaller berries than 2013.” 

Weytjens said at this point the major concerns are rains during harvest and the logistics of bringing in grapes as several different varieties are ripening along similar schedules. His early assessment of the vintage, however, is that it could be better than 2013—and that has him excited about making wine this year. “I think we will be able to pick grapes at lower sugar levels with the same great flavors,” he said. Weytjens is the winemaker for Atlas’ new Agnitio brand, which the company developed to support its vineyard workers. The label art will feature Atlas workers, and proceeds will go toward a scholarship fund for their children. Weytjens also produces a Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend for his own label, Tramuntana, which he’s made since 2012.