Ciatti California Report - October 2024

Late heat starting to influence vineyards and the market

Devoid of weather extremes, September was perfect for vineyard conditions across California and harvesting proceeded smoothly through the month. However, October ushered in an unseasonable heatwave, with triple-digit temperatures registered in some areas and a number of temperature records broken. The resulting speed-up in sugar accumulation has intensified picking and, in turn, necessitated quicker decisions in the vineyards and on the grape market: To pick or not pick, to custom crush or not custom crush, to buy extra grapes or not buy extra, etc.

Prior to the heat’s arrival, grape quality across the state appeared very good and – as of October 9th – no widespread deleterious effects of heat on quality had been reported. By that date, something like 60-65% of the harvest was complete in the North Coast. Until the heat, the North Coast’s crop – assisted by some sizing during cooler spells back in August – appeared to be coming in average-sized overall, but there have since been reports of some yields being reduced by the heat: On October 7th we received reports of Alexander Valley and Napa Cabernet yields coming in 20-30% lower than expected.