Positive Outlook Even with a Later-than-Usual Start to Harvest
MONTEREY COUNTY, CA, August 29, 2023 – Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association is excited to announce the beginning of the 2023 Monterey County wine grape harvest with Scheid Family Wines’ Isabelle’s Vineyard located along River Road on the Monterey Wine Trail. Cool weather delayed the start of the harvest season, while winter rains provided relief for the vines, which indicates a positive outlook on the quality and quantity of grapes to be harvested this year.
Scheid Family Wines Begins Harvest for Sparkling Wine
“Due to a cooler growing season, Monterey County’s wine grapes are maturing at a slower rate than previous vintages. 2023 has been one of the coolest years in recent history,” shared Dan Lompa, Director of Vineyard Operations at Scheid Family Wines. “We are beginning our harvest a couple of weeks later than usual.”
The 2023 inaugural harvest began as the sun rose above the Salinas Valley on Tuesday, August 29, in Isabelle’s Vineyard where Scheid Family Wines grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, delicate grapes that are used in their sparkling wines. “The cooler season maintained the grapes’ natural acidity, which is perfect for making a crisp and lively sparkling wine,” explained Dave Nagengast, Vice President of Winemaking at Scheid. “The Vit team has grown some beautiful and very clean fruit for us to work with and we are excited to get started.”
Named after founder Al Scheid’s mother, Isabelle’s Vineyard is a small, high-quality vineyard totaling just three acres. Located in the Monterey AVA, it is one of the most northerly vineyards in the county. The hand-harvested grapes will be used for the company’s namesake brand, Scheid Vineyards, in their Isabelle Cuvée.
Harvest Projection
This year’s crop, anticipated to generate an average to slightly above average crop load, is expected to produce high-quality fruit throughout the region with strong flavor development.
“Due to mild temperatures in the spring and summer, harvest is late this year. Some growers report a delay of two to three weeks,” shared Kim Stemler, Executive Director of the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association. “The winter and spring rains replenished not only groundwater, but also the vineyards, washing away salts in the soil and increasing canopy vigor. In other words — making really happy vines.”
About Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association
Formed in 1974, the Monterey County Vintners & Growers’ Association (MCVGA) will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2024. The Association brings together the talents and resources of winegrowers, winemakers, and our extended community to promote and support leadership in the art, science, and business of wine. By standing together, we strengthen the Monterey Wine Country™ brand and bring awareness to the region.
About Scheid Family Wines
Scheid Family Wines, a family-owned and operated wine company founded in 1972, is ranked among the top 25 largest wine producers in California. Based in Monterey County, Scheid is uniquely integrated to bring high quality estate grown wines to the marketplace from its sustainably certified vineyards and grower partners throughout the Central Coast. Scheid’s innovative, luxury-level winery is powered by 100% renewable wind energy generated by a 400-foot-tall wind turbine, which also supplies energy to many homes in the local community. The Scheid Family Wines globally distributed brand portfolio includes Scheid Vineyards, Sunny with a Chance of Flowers, VDR (Very Dark Red), Grandeur (made with organic grapes), Fog & Light, Metz Road, District 7, Ryder Estate, and HOXIE, a premium wine spritzer. Scheid Family Wines sells internationally to 30 countries and is one of the largest producers of nationally distributed exclusive brands. Please visit www.scheidfamilywines.
