Harvest season is underway across the Northern Hemisphere, and bins of fresh white grapes are beginning to arrive at wineries. The earliest picks set the tone for the season, with growers moving quickly to gather fruit at just the right moment. From Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to Riesling and other regional specialties, white wine grapes are being harvested at peak ripeness to capture freshness, aromatics, and structure.
The overnight and early morning harvests hum with energy: crews working row by row, the air filled with the scent of crushed stems and fresh fruit, and tractors moving swiftly to deliver bins before the day’s heat sets in.
This year’s growing season has brought sunny, temperate days balanced by cool nights—conditions that preserve acidity while allowing complex flavors to develop. Early Chardonnay picks are showing crisp apple and pear notes with hints of stone fruit, while Sauvignon Blanc lots are coming in fresh, citrus-driven, and herbaceous. Each vintage tells its own story, shaped by climate, vineyard practices, and the skill of growers who know exactly when the fruit is ready.
Harvest is more than just the busiest time of year—it’s a celebration of the land, the vines, and the people who bring our wines to life. Every decision, from picking schedules to fruit handling, shapes the character of the final wine.
At NexTerra, we take pride in our craft—partnering with growers across the U.S. to source high-quality fruit and transform it into custom blends tailored to our clients’ private label and control brand needs. These early white varietals mark the beginning of the 2025 vintage—and the next wave of wines in our portfolio. See highlights from our 2024 Harvest.
More updates to come as harvest continues. Reds are just around the corner.
Winemaker’s Snapshot – August 2025
Early Signs From the Vineyard
· Smaller berries, bigger flavors – Concentrated aromatics and color expected this year.
· Chardonnay – Crisp apple and stone fruit; bright acidity holding strong.
· Sauvignon Blanc – Lively citrus and herbal notes, picked with freshness in mind.
· Muscat Varietals – Expressive floral lift and tropical flavors; standout quality this season.
· Reds still ripening – Merlot and Cabernet showing balanced canopies and healthy clusters; first picks likely by late August.
· Crop load – Slightly lighter yields than recent vintages, with excellent balance and consistency.
“2025 is shaping up to be a vintage defined by freshness, intensity, and vibrant aromatics.” — NexTerra Winemaking Team