When Are Wine Grapes Harvested in California?
The wine industry is an ubiquitous part of California culture. The wine harvest, enjoyed by many each fall, is celebrated throughout the state at farmers markets and town wine tastings often accompanied with jazz and art festivals and food events. Does this Spark an idea?
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Geography
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Wine grapes grow from the far north of the state in the Anderson Valley region to the southern coastal areas of Santa Barbara. In this expansive region, grape growers can expect to harvest grapes from late August through the last week of October.
Considerations
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Sudden shifts in temperatures can change harvest dates. A cold front might cause wine growers to harvest their grapes early, while extreme heat in the fall can lead growers to wait until the last minute to harvest.
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Types
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Grapes used for bold red wines such as Zinfandel, Petite Syrah and Cabernet are usually picked last because these grapes need longer time on the vine to develop the right balance of sugar levels. Grapes used in white wines are generally harvested earlier than reds --- usually late August and early September.
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