Wine Institute: 2013 California Harvest Report -- Early, Exceptional Quality Vintage Throughout the State

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Vintners and growers throughout California reported another high quality and generous vintage in 2013.  Following a warm and dry spring with near ideal conditions for bringing grapes to maturity, harvest was remarkably smooth and wineries are at capacity and working with some very high quality winegrapes.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131118/DC16940)

"Early on, the season was marked by healthy winter rains, followed by a spring and summer that showed some of the lowest rainfalls we have seen in a long time," said Steve Smit, Vice President of Vineyard Operations for Constellation Brands.  "We saw very few frost nights in the spring, few significant heat spikes and almost no high wind events.  All of this—combined with uniform growing days—is exactly what a winemaker wants to see leading up to harvest.  Across the board, our fruit showed great balance of acidity and sugar, good color and tannin structure, and optimal flavor development."

Paul Draper, CEO and Winemaker at Ridge Vineyards called it "a truly great vintage."  "Flavors and color extraction were intense.  Tannins are quite fine and acidity firm.  Typically we see variation in depth and complexity across the 40 some parcels, but this year virtually every one produced exceptionally high quality."

According to Nat DiBuduo, President of Allied Grape Growers, the crop estimate in 2013 equals that of 2012.  "We believe the winegrape crush could be four million tons again," he stated.  "While the coastal regions are probably down in crop size, the interior regions are estimated to be as big or bigger than in 2012.  More new acreage has come into production this year, mostly in the interior," said DiBuduo.

"California's excellent 2013 vintage statewide will allow wine lovers in the U.S and the world to continue to enjoy their favorite Golden State wines," said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, President and CEO of Wine Institute.  "As the world's fourth largest wine producer, we are proud of our skilled vintners and growers, recognized for growing and making their wines in a sustainable manner."

To view the entire report with comments from throughout the state, click here.

SOURCE Wine Institute