(Wines&Vines) - The 2014 wine grape harvest got an early start in many regions throughout the state, as predicted by early bud break and an extremely dry summer. With the able assistance of area associations, Wines & Vines polled growers about their experiences, starting with those in Southern California.

San Diego/Ramona Valley

Carolyn Harris, vice president and general counsel of the Ramona Valley Winery Association just east of the city of San Diego, and owner of 600-case Chuparosa Vineyards, reported, “Here at Chuparosa we completed our 2014 harvest, pulling in 10 tons of entirely ripe estate fruit for reds as well as a dry rosé blend from our 4 acres between Aug. 8 and Sept. 7. “The remnants of Hurricane Norbert hit us with a deluge Sept. 6 and 7. 

“Zinfandel harvest was the earliest yet, by two full months—August, not October. The thin-skinned varietal was hurt by the tropical storm, but we pulled in what we could as soon as possible.”

She forwarded an association report dated Aug. 15.

“This is the earliest harvest in Ramona Valley’s young history,” said RVWA president Victor Edwards, who farms on the east side of the AVA and produces 500 cases at his Edwards Vineyard & Cellars.