Pinot Noir from Wild Horse Peak Kicks Off the Season for Carter Estate’s Sparkling Rosé
August 5, 2025 (Temecula, CA) — Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country has officially welcomed Harvest 2025 with the first grapes of the season – Pinot Noir from the high-elevation Wild Horse Peak vineyard, destined for the Carter Estate Winery Méthode Champenoise Brut Rosé.
“Harvest has arrived on the heels of a heat wave, and we’re especially excited about the early grapes coming in, as these are used for our sparkling wines,” said Jon McPherson, master winemaker at Carter Estate Winery and South Coast Winery. “The quality is exceptional, with early picks showing excellent chemistry. Yields are about average so far and appear to be slightly lower than last year.”
Temecula Valley is often among the first regions in California to begin harvest, thanks to its warm climate and early-ripening grapes, especially those destined for sparkling wines. Located just 22 miles from the Pacific coast, the region’s warm Mediterranean climate and strong diurnal shifts allow for diverse grape growing and early sparkling production, setting the tone for what is expected to be a high-quality vintage.
The start of the 2025 harvest coincides with the lead-up to California Wine Month in September, a time when Temecula Valley invites guests to experience the magic of wine country during its most exciting season.
“Harvest in Temecula Valley carries a sense of intimacy and charm that sets it apart,” said Brittany Mastin of Churon Winery. “We’re a region where visitors can truly feel part of the process – not just watching from afar, but walking through the vineyards, chatting with winemakers, and experiencing the energy of a tight-knit wine community.”
Signature California Wine Month events in Temecula Valley include:
CRUSH: A Wine & Culinary Showcase featuring over 30 local wineries
Grape stomps, wine blending workshops, and exclusive cellar tours
Seasonal tastings and wine releases, including wines made from fruit harvested just steps away
Temecula Valley is Southern California’s premiere wine destination, home to nearly 50 wineries producing wines from more than two dozen varieties. With a winemaking history dating back over 50 years, the region is known for its award-winning wines, welcoming hospitality, scenic vineyard views, and wide-ranging visitor experiences.
For more information about Temecula Valley Wine Country and its wineries, visit www.temeculawines.org.
ABOUT TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY
Located within a 60-minute drive from San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs, and within 90 minutes of Los Angeles, Temecula Valley is widely recognized as Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. The popular wine destination is southern California’s largest wine producing region by volume.
The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) is a 501 (c) 6 nonprofit regional organization. The TVWA (TemeculaWines.org) is dedicated to promoting the making and growing of quality wine and wine grapes in the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area).
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