The Countdown is Getting Close!
Countdown to Harvest!
Preparing for Harvest in the Paso Robles Wine Region: A Winemaker's Guide
Hey there, wine lovers! If you're gearing up for harvest season in Paso Robles, you're in for an exciting (and busy) time. Our region is known for its fantastic wines, thanks to its unique climate and soil. But before you start picking those grapes, there's a lot to prepare. Let’s dive into some key steps, especially dealing with this July heat wave and getting your winemaking facility ready.
The Heat Wave: A Spicy July
July in Paso Robles can be scorching, and that heat wave can stress your vines and accelerate grape ripening. It’s crucial to monitor your vineyards closely. Make sure your irrigation system is keeping up with the vines elevated demand. Consider shade cloths and maybe wait to pull leaves in the fruiting zone to protect the grapes from sunburn. Keep an eye on that weather forecast, John Lindsey for the SLO Tribune is the man.
Winemaking Facility Preparation
We have a little time (but not too much time) before the grapes start rolling in, let’s make sure your facility is ready. Here are some key steps:
Equipment Maintenance:
Plug in and check all equipment to ensure everything is operational.
Clean and grease equipment, and repair any non-operational machinery (forklift and crush service techs book up quick).
Order any new equipment necessary for the upcoming harvest (New equipment lead times are super long these days…).
Check glycol systems and temperature controls for leaks and calibration.
Check all hoses and hose fittings, clean, replace as necessary.
Bring out must lines. Check for leaks, clean and repair or replace. Must lines take a lot of stress and make a big mess when the break.
Barrel Management:
Evaluate empty barrels and get them tight.
Place new barrel orders (if they need to get on a boat, this is the last chance).
Consolidate barrels in the cellar for easy access during the harvest.
Bottling Past Vintages:
If you need to make space now is the time to schedule bottlings.
Taste wines in your inventory and evaluate them for bottling.
Create blends for bottling and purchase bulk wine if necessary.
Order supplies like labels, corks, glass, and capsules.
Schedule the bottling line and crew.
Rack, filter, and adjust SO2 levels in wines to prepare them for bottling.
Cellar Cleaning and Organizing:
Remove everything from the cellar and pressure wash the area.
Use ozone or other sanitizing methods to knock down the microbial load.
Clean stainless steel tanks and replace any damaged gaskets.
Paint tank stands and ensure everything is in top shape.
Pre-Harvest Tasks for August
As August rolls in, it’s time to ramp up preparations:
Grape Management:
Evaluate your grape needs for the upcoming harvest and secure grape contracts.
Estimate the grapes available from estate vineyards.
Supplies Acquisition:
Order crush supplies, yeast, malolactic bacteria, acid, and other cellar necessities.
Bottling and Equipment Setup:
Receive and install new equipment, hooking up everything for seamless operation.
Test the processing line to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Production Protocols:
Finalize production protocols, detailing every step for each varietal and fermentation process.
Cellar Team Logistics
Organizing your cellar team is another biggie. Make sure you’ve got a skilled team ready to go. This is the time to do any hiring and supplemental training. Get forklift certs up to date, harvest is not the time to learn how to drive a forklift! Health and safety education to prevent those pesky OSHA violations.
Harvest Practices
Once the grapes are in, the work really starts. Write out harvest protocols ahead of time so your team knows what to expect for sorting and de-stemming, crushing, and fermenting all require attention to detail. Good planning and quality control at this stage ensures you’re on track to make great wine. Regular testing during fermentation helps catch any issues early.
Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is key in modern winemaking. Using water wisely, reducing waste, and employing eco-friendly practices not only help the environment but also can improve the quality of your wine. Think about composting grape pomace and using organic treatments in your vineyard.
Conclusion
Harvest season in Paso Robles is a whirlwind of activity, but with the right preparation, you can navigate it smoothly. Keep an eye on the weather, especially during those hot July days, and make sure your winemaking facility is ready to handle the fruit if it comes in all at once… (like we know it can). By staying organized and proactive, you’ll set yourself up for a successful harvest and another great vintage. Cheers to a fruitful season!