Winemakers optimistic as a gentle growing season brings in high-quality fruit

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The 2025 California winegrape harvest is well underway following a long, consistent growing season. A cool spring and mild summer have allowed grapes to mature gradually, prompting optimism about the vintage from winegrowers across the state.

"So far, 2025 has been delightfully uneventful," said John Olney, head winemaker at Ridge Vineyards, which grows grapes in Sonoma County, the Santa Cruz Mountains and Paso Robles. "If the weather holds, the right conditions are in place for this to be an outstanding vintage."

Favorable weather throughout the growing season began with winter rainfall that replenished soils, followed by ideal conditions from bud break through fruit set. Despite some site-specific variability in ripening, cluster sizes and berry sizes, fruit development has been consistent.

Mild temperatures continued into the harvest period, with no major heat events. While the Pickett Fire in Napa County, just outside Calistoga, made headlines in August, the fire was contained to a small area in the northeast, and Napa County officials estimate it impacted 3% of the region's agricultural land.

California's harvest began slightly later than normal in many regions due to the cool conditions, and picking is now progressing at a steady pace. Yields should be average to slightly below average in volume, depending on the region.

Overall, California vintners expect the 2025 vintage to be one of concentration and balance, with reds showing depth and structure, and whites bringing energy and precision.

Concentrated Flavors, Bright Acidity

A balance of concentrated flavors and acidity is a common theme for the 2025 vintage up and down the state.

"After important and intensive sorting, I do not think I have ever tasted Pinot Noir with the intensity of flavor that we are experiencing this year," said Ted Lemon, the founder of Littorai Wines in Sonoma County.

Early season varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are showing bright natural acidity and clarity of fruit, while Cabernet Sauvignon displays promising depth and age-worthy character.

In the Central Coast, following one of the coolest summers on record, winemakers are reporting excellent color and flavor intensity in red varieties as they continue to mature on the vines.

"There's elegance, but boldness to the fruit," said Caine Thompson, managing director at Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles. "It's looking like a pretty phenomenal vintage."

The state's old-vine Zinfandel is showing strong promise for the 2025 vintage, particularly in the Lodi region. A cool summer in the region resulted in fresh acidity and vibrant flavors across the board, with Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc as additional early standouts.

"With good cooperation between winemakers and growers," said Aaron P. Lange, president of LangeTwins Family Vineyards and Winery in Acampo, "we have been able to hit our targets and deliver exceptional quality thus far."

Although California vintners are widely praising the quality of the 2025 fruit they have harvested thus far, winemakers such as John Williams, the founder of Frog's Leap Winery in Napa Valley, can't help but temper their enthusiasm with a dose of farmer's reserve.

"We've been at the point where we think it's a perfect vintage before, so we're not going to count chickens just yet," Williams said. "But we're definitely admiring the eggs."

For a complete review and end-of-season details about the 2025 California winegrape harvest across the state, look for Wine Institute's comprehensive 2025 Harvest Report later this fall.

The Vintage in Their Words

"Yields are consistently good with great acids and flavors. 2025 is shaping up to be another high-quality year." - Richie Allen, vice president of viticulture and winemaking at Rombauer Vineyards in Napa Valley

"Impressions on quality thus far are extremely positive. All things are pointing to a great new vintage." - Elizabeth Vianna, winemaker and general manager at Chimney Rock Winery in Napa Valley

"We have picked at a slow pace for the last three weeks and the fruit looks great. The flavors are nice and balanced." - Lee Martinelli, Jr., owner of Martinelli Winery & Vineyards in Sonoma County

"We are optimistic that the 2025 harvest will produce wines of both freshness and depth." - Niki Wente, director of vineyard operations at Wente Vineyards in Livermore Valley

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About Wine Institute
Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine.