After an unseasonably cool start to the year wine makers said this weather pattern is having an interesting impact on their grape harvest— in a good way!
After an unseasonably cool start to the year and now a mini heatwave in October, winemakers said this weather pattern is having an interesting impact on their grape harvest— in a good way.The unique weather pattern delayed the ripening process for grapes, which caused a late harvest time, about three weeks later than usual, according to experts. “The weather, cold, wet, spring, just everything's just a little bit delayed, a little bit delayed, and it just adds up over time.
Hoey explained that a longer season means a longer hang time, which is known to be a really good thing, in the world of wine. “That hang time, that long hang time allows great phenolic flavor development of the grapes and can make really exceptional wines,” said Kim Stemler, Executive Director of the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association. “It’s something that Monterey County is known for and actually separates us from other regions, and it's because of the coastal influence.