11/14/2025 - Saint Helena, CA - Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) and Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) presented a joint 2025 Harvest Press Conference where industry insiders came together to discuss the trends, challenges, and triumphs that shaped the 2025 vintage. View the 2025 Harvest Press Conference now.

The 2025 growing season brought a notable shift from recent years with cooler overall conditions, ample rainfall, and the absence of major heat events. Wines are expected to be a return to the classics with longevity, balance and elegance.

Vintage Quality

The vintage, as described by winemakers, had three defining characteristics that set it apart: phenolic ripeness at lower brix levels, exceptional depth of color, and a sense of lushness without power.

"I really enjoyed this growing season because phenolic ripeness was ahead of sugar accumulation. Overall, we have really balanced wines coming out of 2025 at lower levels of alcohol," said Ashton Leutner, Director of Viticulture at Continuum Estate.

Much of the excitement for the vintage also centers on the striking color seen in red wines. "Colors were off the charts, which is always a great indicator for quality," explained Nate Weis, GM and Senior Winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard.

Maayan Koshitsky, Partner and Director of Winemaking with Atelier Melka, added, "We saw very high color extraction early in fermentations; with slightly softer tannins overall, we were able to extend macerations, building beautiful weight and texture in the wines." Ashton Luetner added that lower seed tannins allowed for "extended skin contact without developing bitterness."

The moderate climate and steady pace of ripening also enhanced site expression. "In a cooler vintage, the differences between growing regions become more apparent. It's one of those years where you'll see greater distinction between AVAs," noted Megan Gunderson, VP Winemaking, HALL.

Megan went on to share her enthusiasm for the vintage noting that Napa Valley is known for quality. "Where we harvested, and where we didn't, was entirely driven by quality. The industry is always changing, and we're adapting to that while making sure our inventory is right and our focus stays on producing the highest-quality wines every year."

Growing Season

Following substantial winter rainfall, the 2025 growing season began with ample soil moisture and minimal irrigation needs. A relatively cool summer with few heat spikes led to gradual, even ripening. Notably, only eight days reached over 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Periodic rain events during harvest created start and stop pauses on the crush pad. These breaks helped winemakers manage logistics in the winery as yields were often higher than expected.

Increased mildew pressure required vigilant canopy management and precise spray intervals. "We have the most skilled labor force in the wine business here in Napa Valley," said Weiss. "In a year like this, with rain and disease pressure, that skill made all the difference."

Patience was rewarded this season, resulting in a harvest that emphasized balance and finesse over power.

Vintage Resources

2025 Harvest Press Conference

The discussion covered characteristics of the vintage, defining weather influences, as well as how shifting market conditions influenced the 2025 harvest across Napa Valley.

Moderated by Jonathan Cristaldi, veteran wine journalist who writes for Decanter , Cristaldi & Co. , Somm Journal , Tasting Panel , and other publications, the panel featured Maayan Koschitzky, Director of Winemaking for Atelier Melka; Ashton Leutner, Director of Viticulture at Continuum Estate; Nate Weiss, General Manager and Senior Winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard; and Megan Gunderson, Vice President of Winemaking at HALL Wines.

SOMM TV 2025 Napa Valley Vintage Report

Premiering in early December, the SOMM TV report and is free for all to watch. Winemakers will share stories about this year's harvest season featuring Kale Anderson, Winemaker and Owner of Kale Wines; Avery Heelan, Winemaker at Larkmead Vineyards; Ralf Holdenried, VP of Winemaking at Black Stallion Estate Winery and Katie Vogt, Winemaker at Pahlmeyer.

2025 Vintage Timeline

• March : Budbreak kicked off in Carneros, marking an early start to the growing season thanks to ample winter rainfall and full soil moisture.
• May : Cluster development was strong across the valley, and healthy cover crops flourished, supporting soil vitality and biodiversity.
• June : A mild start to summer. Winter rains allowed for healthy canopies and clusters with even ripening in the early stages of growth.
• Mid-July: Growers monitored for water stress, and the first signs of veraison began.
• August 11-14: Early whites made their way to crush pads, marking the first picks of the 2025 vintage.
• September: White wine, early red, and some early-season Cabernet Sauvignon fermentations were underway.
• October: Cabernet Sauvignon harvest was in full swing throughout the valley.
• November 2: Final Cabernet grapes arrived at wineries, wrapping up a well-paced harvest.

About Napa Valley Vintners

The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its nearly 550 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership and care for the extraordinary place they call home. NVV has invested more than $245 million in community healthcare, youth development and the environment in Napa County, and is a champion of inclusivity in its community and industry. Learn more at napavintners.com.

About the Napa Valley Grapegrowers
For nearly 50 years, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, has played a vital role in strengthening Napa Valley's reputation as a world-class viticultural region. Its mission is to cultivate viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship for the Napa Valley, and it represents 685 Napa County grape growers and associated businesses. For more information, visit Napa Valley Grapegrowers and follow them on Facebook and Instagram .

Contact: Teresa Wall, Sr. Director of Communications - 707-968-4210, [email protected] Chloe Tyer, Napa Valley Grapegrowers - (707) 235-3890, [email protected]