Smaller crop and exceptional fruit quality point to a promising 2026 vintage

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (July 24, 2026) – The Sonoma County winegrape harvest has begun in what may be the earliest start in the region’s history. While weather conditions from the past winter through mid-summer are expected to result in one of the lightest harvests in recent years, healthy vines and lower crop loads are setting the stage for a vintage with exceptional concentration, structure, and character.

The growing season got off to an early start with above-average temperatures in early March. This was followed by cool, windy, and rainy weather during bloom that reduced yields in many vineyards.  As the season progressed, moderate summer temperatures, ample soil moisture, and strong canopy growth have created favorable conditions across the county. With harvest having already started in some regions, several weeks earlier than last year, growers are anticipating another outstanding Sonoma County vintage.

“The 2026 harvest is off to an encouraging start, but the real story is the people behind it,” said Karissa Kruse, chief executive officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers. “Even in a challenging marketplace, Sonoma County growers continue to do what they have always done. They invest in their vineyards, work with their employees to produce exceptional winegrapes, and look ahead with optimism. This is the earliest harvest I’ve experienced during my time with Sonoma County Winegrowers. We believe this smaller harvest will help bring supply and demand into better balance and strengthen the long-term outlook for Sonoma County growers, wineries, and the region.”

Alexander Valley

“This season jumped up and got started early with unseasonable warm days in early March,” said Bret Munselle, owner and general manager of Munselle Vineyards.  “From there we had some April and May rains that have really kept the vines looking good and healthy.  The summer season has been relatively cool and made for a great growing season, but the crop load on most reds and the Sauvignon Blancs in Alexander Valley are light.  Early estimates, for most of our Cab blocks, are around 50-60% of our historic averages. It continues to look like we will be 3-4 weeks ahead of last year with our harvest.”

Dry Creek Valley

“The quality should be excellent in 2026,” said Tyler Klick, partner at Redwood Empire Vineyard Management and Board Chair of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  “The growing season started early with warm temperatures in March, then an abundance of rain and cool weather in April, followed by moderate summer temperatures.  We have healthy vine growth and a light crop.  The harvest will start early and ripen quickly.”

Sonoma Valley

“The 2026 growing season has presented its share of challenges, particularly during bloom with periods of wind, rain, and cool weather that led to some shatter and reduced crop loads, overall vineyard health has been exceptional,” said Taylor Serres, company director at Serres Ranch.  “Mild temperatures, ample soil moisture, and strong canopy growth have created favorable conditions throughout the season. Berry size is slightly smaller than average, which is often associated with greater concentration and quality in the finished wines. We are optimistic that the combination of the growing conditions, reduced yields, and strong fruit development will result in wines with excellent flavor concentration, structure, and aging potential.”

Russian River Valley

“The growing season has been ahead of schedule since early spring budbreak, with warm March temperatures putting us about three weeks ahead of last year,” said Mark Sanchietti, owner of Sanchietti Farming, Inc. “While we haven’t harvested any grapes yet, we’re anticipating harvest could begin as early as the last week of July or the first week of August. An earlier start should give growers the opportunity to move through harvest more methodically, allowing fruit to be picked at its optimal maturity.”

Carneros

“We are tracking early like the rest of Sonoma County, yields will be on the light side,” said Steve Sangiacomo, managing partner at Sangiacomo Family Vineyards and Board Vice Chair of Sonoma County Winegrowers. “The mild summer has led to a favorable growing season so far.  We are excited for this vintage, especially with great vine health heading to the finish line.”

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About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) is a marketing and educational organization committed to promoting and protecting Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions. With more than 1,800 grape growers across 19 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Sonoma County is recognized globally for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

In 2014, Sonoma County Winegrowers led the charge for all local vineyards to become certified sustainable, resulting in 99% of the region’s vineyard acreage being certified by a third-party auditor—making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world.

SCW continues to lead through its Farm of the Future initiative, establishing Sonoma County as a “living lab” for innovation and regenerative agriculture. This first-of-its-kind platform brings together global collaborators such as Ford Pro, John Deere, Wilbur-Ellis, and Agrology to accelerate climate-smart farming solutions.

Beyond the vineyard, SCW supports the people who power the wine industry through its 501(c)(3) foundation, which invests in vineyard employees and their families. This includes a pioneering Leadership Academy designed to elevate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

SCW’s dynamic marketing efforts extend nationwide through partnerships with brands and organizations including Landry’s, Lettuce Entertain You, the San Francisco Giants, Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Food & Wine magazine—sharing the story of Sonoma County’s heritage, innovation, and excellence with new audiences across the country.