Harvest Update 2026
2026 is putting us farmers through the ringer! Spring was unseasonably dry and warm. I think the only day it rained was on our daughter’s wedding on April 25th. We moved the dinner and reception from the tasting room to our home on the farm and after a few stressful days of switching to our rain plan, everything worked out.
The grape buds came out early in the Spring and were hit by a hard frost. Our vineyard held up better than most but we still had enough damage to result in less fruit production with the whites.
From mid-June into July, we experienced unrelenting heat and a record-tying high of 107 over the Fourth of July Weekend.
Then there was the smoke from Canada that filled our skies.
In August we received 10.25 inches of rain, the 25th wettest on record. We also had violent storms, 3 in 8 days, including a tornado, that knocked out power and downed trees. I think we will be cleaning up all winter.
Needless to say, holding events this summer has been challenging. Having a vineyard in Virginia is challenging.
Recently, we harvested our Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Viognier and Chambourcin, all which were extremely light. We hope the Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon will come in heavier. We need to make wine and do not buy in any fruit or juice from other sources in state or out of state. All of our wine is 100% estate grown. We will do our best not to run out of wine but it might happen in the future.
We feel a sigh of relief that September is here. The grass is green and growing like spring grass. We have been mowing every 5 days to keep up with it. The sun is setting earlier and the nights are cooling off. I can see the field grass turning red at the top and it is a beautiful sight in the afternoon light. Autumn will come and we can break out the red wines, fire pits, sweaters and blankets.
Farming takes patience, resilience, a bit of ignorance and steadiness. We can’t control Mother Nature so we just have to roll with the punches and enjoy the beautiful days when they come. I am still proud to be a Virginia Farmer and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else or do anything else. Every sunrise and sunset is a blessing. Every day is a gift.
