Harvest 2026 is officially in the books!
From our first Sauvignon Blanc pick in the Russian River Valley to the final harvest of Mourvèdre at Wild Oak Vineyard in Sonoma Valley, this season has come full circle. And what a season it was!
With an unusually warm March bringing an early start to the growing season, harvest began more than two weeks ahead of normal, making it one of the earliest harvests in St. Francis Winery’s history. While the timing kept our vineyard and winemaking teams busy, moderate summer temperatures and fewer heat waves helped the grapes develop excellent quality and concentration. We’re already excited about what we’re seeing take shape in the cellar.
The Work Continues After Harvest
While the last grapes may be off the vine, vineyard work is far from finished. Fall marks an important time for the health and preparation of our vines as they begin to recover and build resources for the next growing season.
After fruit is removed, grapevines experience a second root flush, when new feeder roots grow and absorb nutrients from the soil. These roots help replenish the vine’s stored carbohydrates, supporting its health through dormancy and preparing it for the season ahead. If Mother Nature doesn’t provide enough post-harvest rain, our vineyard team may irrigate to support this important process.
We also plant cover crops between the vineyard rows each fall. A mix of nitrogen-fixing plants, including bell beans, vetch, and clover, along with barley and rye grass, helps add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. These crops grow throughout the dormant season before being turned back into the soil in spring, naturally supporting the health of our vineyards.
Looking Ahead to Vintage 2026
Now, the next chapter begins. Our winemaking, cellar, and production teams are hard at work processing the grapes and guiding this year’s fruit through fermentation as Vintage 2026 takes shape.
Every harvest brings its own story, shaped by the weather, the vineyards, and the people who care for them throughout the year. We’re grateful to our vineyard and winery teams for their dedication and to our Wine Club members for being part of the journey.
The season may be wrapped up in the vineyards, but the story of Vintage 2026 is just beginning. We look forward to sharing more as these wines develop. Here’s to a memorable harvest and the promise of what’s to come!
