A uncommonly bountiful wine grape harvest has some San Benito
County wineries and vineyards filled to capacity and will likely
result in some grapes being left on the vine this year.
Hollister – A uncommonly bountiful wine grape harvest has some San Benito County wineries and vineyards filled to capacity and will likely result in some grapes being left on the vine this year.
And while the wet weather may have not been welcome by all, moisture and timing played key roles in creating this year’s exceptional harvest.
“We had more rain this year and conditions were just right during fruit set,” Gimelli Vineyard Manager Rob Levy said, referring to the time in which the grapes just start to grow on the vine.
Wine and grapes are big business for San Benito County, and local vintners and grape growers are looking forward to a harvest of high-quality grapes this year, which they hope will boost sales and profits. In 2004, San Benito County’s 3,636 acres of wine grapes generated $18.9 million in revenue, down from $21.8 million the previous year. Although revenue was down in 2004, growers are confident this year because yields are high.
This has been a “bumper crop” year for Gimelli Vineyards in
Hollister, Levy said Tuesday.
“The winery’s tanks are full, so we can’t pick anymore grapes right now,” he said. “Prices are up this year and not everyone has a home for their grapes, so some will go un-picked this year.”
Not only are storage tanks full, but grape cluster are heavier, holding anywhere from 30 to 50 percent more grapes than usual, Levy said. Although higher yields can sometimes signal lower quality grapes, Levy said that is not the case this season.
Gimelli grapes are balanced this year in terms of sugar content and acid levels, which Levy said is the key to making good wine. Having to add acid during the winemaking process can leave a metallic or unnatural flavor in the finished product.
“The quality is good across the board,” he said. “The Pinot Noir is going to really good this year.”
Although the quality is good, it wasn’t the best growing season in regards to the weather.
“It was kind of humid this fall and there’s been quite a bit of bunch rot,” Levy said. “It was also a difficult mildew year.”
Leal Vineyards in Hollister is also filled to capacity this year, but owner Frank Leal hopes he won’t have to leave any grapes on the vine.
“We’re maxed out, but we’ve also doubled our production – from 5,000 to 10,000 cases,” he said. “We can work with our tank capacity and we’ll leave some of the grapes on the vine a little longer.”
Leal also expects to have high-quality grapes this year.
“We’re particularly excited about our Syrah – that’s the one grape that really enjoys the climate out here,” he said.
Like Gimelli, Blossom Hill Winery in Paicines is overflowing with grapes. High yields are good for growers, but have Blossom Hill employees working rigorously.
“Capacity is definitely an issue for us,” Wine Maker Carol Thorup said. “For us it’s processing capacity – we’re crushing a lot more grapes than usual. We’re tired, but we feel positive.”
Blossom Hill Winery grows its own grapes, but also buys grapes from other vineyards in San Benito County and throughout the country.
“Quality seems to be quite good,” Thorup said. “We have good color and flavor in the reds and whites are doing well, so we’re expecting a good year.”
Like others, Calera Wine Company in Hollister is also excited about the grape harvest this year, Assistant Wine Maker Corneliu Dane said.
“The Pinot has come in on time, but Chardonnay still has yet to peak,” Dane said. “This year sugar (content) was lower than the last three or four years and will make wine with less alcohol and better balance.”
Calera has also seen high yields this year.
Brett Rowland covers education for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or br******@fr***********.com.
