Sonoma winemakers confident of a quality vintage, despite wildfires
Despite the recent devastating wildfires which ripped through California, Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) has reported that its 2017 vintage will be of a similar quality to previous years.
Warm weather in late August and early September combined with heat spikes led to an early harvest, said SCV, resulting in around 90% of the grapes being picked before the fires took hold. The remaining grapes on the vine are mostly the tough skinned and late ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, which winemakers think can withstand smoke in the short term.
“Many of our Sonoma County wineries are open and welcoming guests,” said Jean Arnold Sessions, SCV’s executive director. Numerous fund raising campaigns have begun to assist those affected by the fires. ·
- Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino represent about 12% of overall California wine grape production combined.
- California accounts for 85% of U.S. wine production and is the fourth leading wine producer in the world. ·
- Of the approximately 1,200 wineries in Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma counties, the regions most impacted, it is reported that less than 10 have been destroyed or heavily damaged. ·
- Smoke is not an issue for wine that is fermenting or has already been bottled.
- It is premature to discuss smoke taint on grapes remaining on vines. Vineyard owners with remaining grapes are picking when they can and will assess quality. ·
- It’s reported that vineyards did not burn and assisted to save structures near or surrounded by vineyards. In previous fire incidents, vineyards have acted as firebreaks.
- Sonoma County is home to over 450 wineries, growing 60 varieties across 17 different appellations.