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From Vine to Barrel: What Happens After the Grapes Are Picked

November 1, 2024

The harvest season is a thrilling time at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, where every grape cluster represents a year of dedication and careful tending. But have you ever wondered what happens after the grapes leave the vineyard? The journey from vine to wine is just beginning, and we’re excited to take you behind the scenes!

The 2024 harvest season certainly lived up to its reputation as “fast and furious.” Winemakers Katie Madigan, Chris Louton, and our dedicated vineyard management teams kicked off harvest on August 22 at our Lagomarsino Estate in the renowned Russian River Valley. Starting with the first bright clusters of Sauvignon Blanc, the team worked diligently until the last Cabernet Sauvignon bunch was gathered on October 10. Each harvested cluster marks the start of an extraordinary journey, one that we’re eager to share with you through vibrant wines that capture the spirit of this remarkable season.

With the last of the grapes picked, our focus shifts to fermentation, pressing and aging. In the winery, the freshly harvested fruit undergoes meticulous sorting to ensure only the finest grapes make it into our blends. Each variety is crushed then transferred to fermentation tanks, where the magic of winemaking truly begins. Winemakers Chris and Katie closely monitor the fermentation process, carefully managing temperature and time to extract the best flavors and aromas from each grape.

After fermentation, the wines will be pressed, allowing the juice to be separated from the skins, and seeds. This step is crucial in shaping the character of our wines. Once pressed, the wines will be transferred to barrels for aging, where they will develop complexity and depth. Our winemakers will continue to taste and evaluate each lot often, ensuring we craft the high-quality wines that our members know and love.

As we embark on this exciting journey from grape to glass, we look forward to sharing updates on our progress and the exceptional wines that you will soon get to enjoy!