Harvest Journal 2025
SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
Today, we picked the last of the Chardonnay for the year in Block 9E. We'll finish the Albariño, and then it's on to the reds, with Primitivo looking likely as the next grape to be picked. Cooler weather this week will give us a chance to check the sugars again and make a plan for the next round. The fruit is looking great so far, and we are chugging right along...
SEPTEMBER 2, 2025
Happy Labor Day to all those who labor! It was HOOOOTTTTT this weekend, so the crew spread out and pulled grape samples from all over the Ranch to check the sugars in the remaining blocks. The decision was then made to bring in Block 13 Merlot, which was at 25º Brix, today. The fruit was pretty pristine: intact grapes with very few raisins or damage, and zero juice running back into the bin.
So far, we've picked all of the Pinot Noir, one block of Albariño, both blocks of Merlot, and all but one block of Chardonnay, with the last one, 9E scheduled for tomorrow, September 3. The high temperature is predicted to drop from yesterday's mid-90s to the upper 70s by next weekend, (whew!) so that should slow things back down, not to mention being a big relief for all.
AUGUST 29, 2025
The 2025 harvest so far: Nearly perfect, slightly cool weather marked the majority of the 2025 growing season. Our first round of sugar samples in mid-August showed Pinot Noir in Block 4A and Chardonnay in both 19 and 20 all contending for first pick. It was anyone's guess!
After a week of warmer temperatures, Block 19 finally prevailed, and the first fruit of the vintage was brought in on August 21st. Block 4A was right behind, sandwiching Pinot Noir between the two Chardonnays, with Block 20 rounding out the week. Our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blocks continued to alternate through the end of this week, with some very pretty, and very tasty fruit coming into the winery from 5A and 6. Continued mild weather expected through the first week of September will hopefully allow us time to get the fermentations going, and some of the wines barreled down, before the next round of picking in the Primitivo and Zinfandel blocks.
AUGUST 21, 2025
AUGUST 11, 2025
Hooray! Harvest 2025 is on! According to the Napa Valley Vintners Association, the first grapes of the 2025 harvest were picked today 8/11/25. Here at Hendry, the numbers still say, "wait a bit..." Block 4B Pinot Noir looks like it's edging ahead again, but as you can see, the sugars in Block 20 Chardonnay are not far behind. George Hendry walks the vineyard tomorrow to have a taste...
