Welcome to harvest season in Paso Robles—those magical weeks where the vineyards in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo (SLO) County transition from tranquil fields into bustling hubs of activity. It’s the pivotal time of year when grape clusters are plucked from their vines and the first steps are taken in the complex dance of winemaking. It’s not just an end, but also a beginning—the culmination of a year’s labor in the vineyard and the onset of the alchemical process that transforms simple grapes into world-class wines.
The timing of the harvest, the condition of the grapes, and even the daily fluctuations in temperature and humidity can profoundly influence the quality of the final product. Miss the mark, even slightly, and the whole vintage could be compromised.
So, what can you expect to learn in this blog post? Think of it as your insider’s guide to the harvest season in Paso Robles. By the time you reach the end, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the extraordinary efforts that go into crafting the high-quality wines that have put Paso Robles on the global viticultural map.
The Importance of Grape Varietals
If you’ve ever wondered why your favorite bottle of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon has such a unique, full-bodied flavor compared to, say, a light and crisp Chardonnay, look no further than the grape varietals themselves. Just as apple varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith have distinct tastes and textures, different grape varietals bring their own special flair to the wine they produce. But there’s an added layer of complexity in the world of wine: these grape types ripen at different rates.
Timing is Everything
In Paso Robles, the spotlight often shines on robust reds like Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Zinfandel, with its jammy, berry-like flavor, tends to ripen earlier in the season. Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, is the fashionably late guest to the harvest party. This staggered timing isn’t just a logistical puzzle for winemakers; it’s a golden opportunity to focus on each varietal’s unique needs, ensuring the grapes are harvested at the precise moment they reach peak flavor, acidity, and sugar levels.
The Clone Factor
In viticulture, clones refer to grapevines that are genetically identical to their parent vine. These clones can exhibit slight differences in flavor, disease resistance, and—you guessed it—ripening times. That means a Cabernet Sauvignon clone might necessitate a different harvest schedule than its ‘parent’ vine, adding another layer of intricacy to an already complex process.
Grape varietals ripen at different rates, affecting the flavor of wine. In Paso Robles, Zinfandel ripens early, Cabernet Sauvignon ripens late, and clones can also affect ripening times. This adds complexity to the winemaking process.
In summary, the varietals and even the clones of those varietals play a starring role in the orchestration of the harvest season. They influence not only the timing but also the techniques employed to bring you the Paso Robles wine that we all know and love.
Location and Microclimates
If grapes are the stars of the winemaking show, then the stage they perform on is undeniably important. Paso Robles’ distinctive climate and varying terrains offer a kaleidoscope of ‘stages’ for different grape varietals to shine. The area’s long, hot summers and cool evenings create an ideal backdrop for grape ripening, allowing for a balance between sugar accumulation and acidity retention—a winemaker’s dream!
The Lay of the Land
Consider the case of vineyards nestled in the Templeton Gap, an area known for its cooling ocean breezes. These vineyards often produce grapes with a zesty acidity, perfect for creating vibrant, crisp white wines. Contrast this with vineyards located further east, where the climate is warmer and more arid, making it a haven for bold reds like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
It’s All About Perspective
The orientation and elevation of vineyards can play a dramatic role in grape development. South-facing slopes, for instance, get more sunlight and are therefore warmer, which can lead to riper, more fruit-forward wines. Conversely, vineyards at higher elevations often experience more significant temperature swings between day and night, contributing to complex flavor profiles and a striking balance of sugar and acid in the grapes.
To sum it up, Paso Robles is not just a single, monolithic wine-producing region. It’s a patchwork quilt of microclimates and terrains, each imparting its own unique influence on the grapes that grow there. When you sip a glass of Paso Robles wine, you’re not just tasting the fruit; you’re experiencing a specific time and place encapsulated in liquid form.
Harvesting Methods
When the grapes reach their peak ripeness, it’s go-time in the vineyard.
The way fruit is gathered often ties into the winemaker’s philosophy and their approach to winemaking. For example, some winemakers believe that hand-harvesting grapes is the best way to ensure quality, while others believe that machine harvesting can be just as effective. The way fruit is gathered can also affect the wine’s flavor profile. For example, grapes that are picked early in the morning will have more acidity than grapes that are picked later in the day. Additionally, grapes that are picked by hand are less likely to be bruised than grapes that are picked by machine, which can lead to a smoother wine.
Ultimately, the way fruit is gathered is a matter of personal preference for the winemaker. However, it is important to note that the way fruit is gathered can have a significant impact on the final wine.
Let’s explore the two primary methods employed in Paso Robles: hand-harvesting and machine-harvesting, along with some cutting-edge technologies adding a dash of modernity to this age-old craft.
Hand-Harvest vs. Machine-Harvest
Hand-Harvest
Pros: This artisanal method allows for meticulous selection, ensuring that only the best grapes make it to the winery. It’s gentler on the grape skins, reducing the risk of premature oxidation or tannin extraction. It is also sometimes the only way to fruit on really hilly or steep vineyards.
Cons: Labor-intensive and therefore more expensive, hand-harvesting might not be feasible for wineries with extensive acreage.
Machine-Harvest
Pros: Fast and cost-effective, machine harvesting can cover large vineyards in a fraction of the time.
Cons: This method might be less discriminating, meaning both ripe and unripe grapes could end up in the same batch. It’s also a bit rougher on the grapes, which could affect the wine’s quality.
Small Batches, Big Decisions
Limited-production wineries in Paso Robles often opt for hand-harvesting to maintain strict quality control (called ‘field-sorting’). When you’re only producing a few hundred cases of a high-end wine, each grape counts! These boutique wineries focus on capturing the truest expression of their terroir, and the human touch is an essential part of that equation.
The Future is Now: Optical Sorters
Some wineries are now using optical sorters, machines equipped with cameras and sensors that can sort grapes based on color, size, and even chemical composition. This technology combines the efficiency of machine harvesting with a level of selectivity that approaches hand-harvesting, making it a game-changer for both large-scale and boutique operations.
Harvesting methods affect wine quality. Hand-harvesting is more selective and gentle, but machine-harvesting is faster and cheaper. Optical sorters combine the best of both worlds. The future of harvesting looks bright in Paso Robles.
Sorting the Grapes
Harvesting may grab the limelight, but let’s not overlook a backstage hero in the winemaking process: sorting the grapes. Think of it as the quality control checkpoint on the grapevine highway, ensuring that only the best and most worthy grapes proceed to fermentation.
Skipping or rushing the sorting step is akin to cooking with subpar ingredients—you can’t expect a gourmet outcome. Proper sorting removes grapes that are either unripe or overly ripe and could compromise the wine’s balance and flavor profile.
Pressing Techniques
After the rigorous sorting process, the grapes face another decisive moment on their journey to becoming wine: pressing. This step extracts the juice from the grape, which will then be fermented into wine. But not all pressing techniques are created equal. The method used can have a profound impact on the wine’s taste, aroma, and even color.
You’ve no doubt seen the foot-stomping method, called pigéage. This gentle pressure will crack open the grapes without releasing the bitterness of the seeds or stems that more pressure could extract.
Though this method is rare, some modern wineries still put it into practice today. If you really want to give it a try, Cass winery puts on great harvest events that allow you to dip your toes into this older method.
Old School Meets New School
Traditionally, grapes were pressed using large wooden presses, a method some boutique wineries still employ for its gentle extraction and the nuanced flavors it can impart. However, most modern wineries in Paso Robles have transitioned to pneumatic presses. These devices use air pressure to gently squeeze the grapes, offering both precision and efficiency.
More Than Just Juice
The pressing process isn’t just about getting juice out of a grape; it’s about extracting the right components in the right amounts. Press too hard, and you could release excess tannins, making the wine overly astringent. Press too lightly, and you may miss out on some of the complex flavors and aromas locked in the grape skins and seeds.
Local Innovators and Traditionalists
In Paso Robles, you’ll find a mix of the conventional and the experimental when it comes to pressing techniques. Wineries like Tablas Creek stick to old-world methods, using basket presses to align with their Châteauneuf-du-Pape heritage. On the flip side, some avant-garde producers are experimenting with innovative methods like “whole cluster pressing,” where the entire grape bunch, stem and all, is pressed to create unique flavor profiles.
Whether they lean traditional or modern, winemakers in Paso Robles understand that pressing is more than a mechanical step—it’s an art form. The technique used can make or break a vintage, and in this world-renowned wine region, the stakes are as high as the quality of the wines themselves.
The Art of Maceration and Fermentation
Once the grapes are sorted and pressed, we enter the fascinating realm of maceration and fermentation—a world where timing, technique, and temperature play pivotal roles in crafting the final product.
Maceration: More Than Just a Soak
The freshly-pressed grape juice is left in contact with the grape skins—and sometimes stems—in a process known as maceration.
Grape juice is initially clear, regardless of the color of the grape. Maceration is the process of soaking the grape juice with the grape skins, which is what gives red wine its color and flavor. The longer the juice soaks with the skins, the deeper the color and flavor of the wine will be.
This is why red wines can range in color from light pink to deep purple, depending on how long the maceration process lasts. White wines, on the other hand, are made by pressing the grapes and immediately removing the skins. This prevents the juice from taking on any color or flavor from the skins. Orange wines are made in a similar way to white wines, but the skins are left in contact with the juice for a longer period of time. This gives orange wines their characteristic orange color and flavor.
The Fermentation Factor
Fermentation is the grand finale in the grape-to-wine transformation. Here, yeast—either naturally occurring or intentionally added—meets the juice. Each approach has its merits: inoculated yeast offers more control, while natural, or “wild,” yeast allows the wine to develop a unique, spontaneous character.
As the yeast feasts on the grape sugars, it produces alcohol, heat, and carbon dioxide. The latter is a boon for sparkling wines but is usually allowed to escape in still wines.
A Matter of Degrees
Temperature control during fermentation is non-negotiable. Many wineries use temperature-controlled tanks to safeguard the wine’s delicate aromatics. Some even go underground—building cellars below ground level for consistent, cool conditions. A cooler fermentation environment can yield a wine with delicate aromatics and structure, whereas warmer conditions can produce bolder flavors and colors.
Tips for Wine Enthusiasts
Now that you’ve gained insights into the labor of love that is the harvest season in Paso Robles, you’re probably eager to put that knowledge to the test. Here are some tips for all you wine enthusiasts out there to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of this remarkable wine region.
Identifying Quality Wines
Read the Label: Information about harvesting methods, grape varietals, and even specific vineyards can often be found on the wine’s label. Look for details that indicate hand-harvesting or estate-grown grapes.
Seek Out Limited Productions: These wines are typically crafted with extra care and attention to detail, making them standout selections.
Consult Reviews or Apps: Use trusted wine apps or expert reviews to get an idea of a wine’s quality and characteristics before you buy.
Savor the Effort in Every Sip
When tasting, take your time to appreciate the aroma, flavor profile, and texture. These elements are the result of countless decisions made during the harvest season and beyond. Ask yourself questions like:
- Can you identify any particular flavors that align with specific grape varietals?
- Does the wine have a complexity that suggests careful pressing and sorting?
Wineries to Visit
Here is a list of some of the wineries in Paso Robles where, if you time it right, you will encounter winemaking happening in full view of the tasting room.Andrew Murray Vineyards
- Bella Luna Vineyards
- Brecon Estate
- Chateau Margene
- Clos Solène
- L’Aventure
- Opolo Vineyards
- Peachy Canyon Winery
- Tablas Creek Vineyards
- Venteux Vineyards
Please note that this is just a small selection of the many wineries in Paso Robles where you can see winemaking in action. Be sure to do your research and plan your visit accordingly.
Conclusion
As the sun sets on another vibrant harvest season in Paso Robles, the excitement is far from over. The culmination of meticulous grape selection, innovative pressing techniques, and the unique terroir of this world-class wine region can be experienced firsthand through the lens of its magnificent wines. For those eager to delve deeper, don’t miss the opportunity to attend local events that celebrate this special time of year.
Be sure to check out our Events section for upcoming festivities focused on harvest season wines. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, these events offer a unique platform to appreciate the artistry and labor that shape each bottle of Paso Robles wine. Cheers to a season well-harvested and a glass well-poured!
Photo by Danielle Comer