Vineyard Update

As summer settles into the Russian River Valley, the vineyard continues its steady progression toward harvest. The past month has been filled with important vineyard work as the vines move through the lag phase of berry development, the period between fruit set and veraison. While the clusters may not appear to change dramatically during this stage, significant development is taking place within the berries as they prepare for the ripening process that lies ahead. Following a successful bloom and fruit set period earlier this season, the vineyard has continued to show excellent balance and uniformity. Cluster development has been consistent throughout the Estate Vineyard, and the vines remain healthy and focused despite the dry conditions that characterized much of the spring.

Green Pinot cluster after leafing are now exposed to the cool morning sun. These clusters are slowly filling out and will soon be turning color or going through “veraison”

One of the focuses over the past month has been canopy management. As the vines responded to the warm spring weather with vigorous shoot growth, vineyard crews moved through the blocks completing leafing and hedging operations. Selective leaf removal around the fruiting zone helps improve airflow and sunlight penetration while reducing the risk of mildew development. Hedging, which involves trimming the tops of rapidly growing shoots, helps maintain canopy uniformity and prevents excessive shading. Together, these practices create a healthier microclimate around the fruit while encouraging the vine to focus more of its energy on berry development rather than continued vegetative growth.

Prior to hedging the shoots can grow into the space between the vines rows and almost make it impossible to walk through!

In addition to canopy management, crop estimation work is now underway throughout the vineyard. Cluster counts have been completed across representative vineyard blocks, and berry weight samples are being collected to help refine our understanding of the potential crop size for the 2026 vintage. These measurements allow us to track fruit development throughout the summer and provide valuable insight as harvest approaches. While final yields remain impossible to predict with certainty at this stage, the vineyard currently appears well balanced with crop levels that are in line with our quality goals. As a result of the cooler June weather, vineyard development has slowed somewhat compared to the rapid pace observed earlier in the season. While harvest still appears likely to arrive on the earlier side of average, the recent weather pattern may help bring the vintage closer to a more typical Russian River Valley timeline. With time remaining before veraison, much will depend on the weather we experience through July and August.

Here is a row after the hedging process, not only can you now access the rows, but the airflow and light exposer is much improved.

Over the coming weeks, our attention will shift toward one of the most exciting milestones of the growing season: veraison. This is the moment when Pinot Noir berries begin transforming from green to shades of red and purple as ripening officially begins. Once veraison starts, changes become visible almost daily, providing the first real glimpse of the vintage that will eventually make its way into the winery. For now, the vineyard continues to look beautiful. Healthy canopies, balanced crop levels, and the return of cool, foggy weather have created excellent conditions as we head into the second half of the growing season. While there is still plenty of work ahead before harvest arrives, we remain encouraged by what we are seeing in the vineyard and optimistic about the potential of the 2026 vintage.

On behalf of the entire team here at River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, we wish you all continued good health!

Be Well,