Stages of Napa Valley Harvest
Each September in Napa Valley, preparation for the new harvest begins. The extensive care and adjustments to weather conditions during the growing season are nearing the end as growers begin to collect the grapes for crushing. The harvest season occurs over several weeks, beginning in late summer and continuing into November. Grape harvest also coincides with one of the best seasons for a leisurely Hot Air Balloon Napa Valley excursion. You can watch the harvest take place from a unique perspective as you drift lazily in the clouds above the vineyards. Factors that Determine Harvest Time Napa Valley is blessed with a wide assortment of microclimates, elevations, and soil variations that support the cultivation of many different grape varieties. As a result, the many grape varieties ripen at different rates. The white wine grapes are usually picked first, followed by the more delicate reds, and finally the rich Cabernet Sauvignons and the late harvest wines. The timing of the h