California: Early harvest and smaller yields characterise growing year

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By Hamish Graham

Published:  02 October, 2026

Many California winegrowers conducted their harvest several weeks ahead of schedule this year, with yields down following a challenging Spring.

The growing year started early with an unusually warm March. This was followed by rain and strong winds during Spring flowering which impacted fruit set. California’s Wine Institute said that as a consequence, “growers reported lighter clusters and uneven berry development”.

Producers like John Kane, GM of Bonterra Organic Estates, reported that “the smaller berries appear to have contributed to flavour intensity in several lots”, with Kane adding that “the early harvest helped us preserve freshness and natural balance”.

Picking in the South Central Coast commenced as early as late June. Also exemplifying the earlier harvest window was the Russian River Valley, where some vineyards completed picking in mid-September, ahead of the typical late-September/early-October finish.

“It’s really been one of the most interesting vintages to date,” said Sean W. McBride, owner and winemaker at Napa Valley’s Crosby Roamann. The vintner detailed that the early start to the growing year and mild summer weather has helped his fruit ripen evenly.

Across varieties, producers have detailed signs of good flavour concentration. Pinot Noir in Sonoma County is one such example. Nicole Bacigalupi, GM of Bacigalupi Vineyards in the Russian River Valley, said: “Berries and clusters were very small, which typically leads to higher concentration, and we are definitely seeing that this year.”

At Paso Roble’s well-known Tablas Creek Vineyard, its Rhône varieties are “intense and characteristic”, said Jason Haas, partner and GM at the estate.

He added: “So while we could wish for more quantity, the quality looks impeccable.”

Wine Institute’s full California Harvest Report will be released later this Autumn for a full account of the 2026 harvest.

Image credit – torbakhopper / The vineyard – b.r. cohn vineyards, sonoma, california (2011) / Image source / CC BY 2.0

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