Harvest 2023

Harvest is a magical time. It is the culmination of the growing season and the start of the winemaking process. It is decades of experience applied to the nuances of a particular year.

We asked Gilles Nicault, Director of Winemaking and Viticulture, to give his take on harvest 2023 and we are happy to report that he is very excited about its potential.

After a cool spring, the 2023 growing season began about three weeks later than usual. It was followed by perfect grape-growing weather: warm sunny days and cool nights. The grapes more than made up for that cool spring and we actually began picking about two week earlier than normal. In fact, it was the earliest Sauvignon Blanc that we've ever seen.

Gilles said that he is seeing good maturity in the grapes and great tannins, ripeness, and acidity. At this point, he is describing the vintage as "bright and vibrant" with a "lively character."

For more on the vintage as a whole, please check out Decanter's "Harvest 2023 in the Pacific Nortwest: What Winemakers are Saying."

VISIT US AND SEE WINEMAKING IN ACTION

The Chihuly Tasting Room at our Walla Walla winery has two large windows (middle photo) where you can see our production crew working on this year's vintage.

The harvest action isn't the only reason to visit. We were voted one of the Top 5 Tasting Rooms in the U.S. by U.S.A Today five years in a row. We offer exquisite tastings and food pairings, and with summer's heat fading away, now is the perfect time to enjoy our large patio and gorgeous views.

If you'd like some tips on what to do in Walla Walla, check out our post: 48 Hours in Walla Walla.

We hope to see you soon, whether it's in Walla Walla or our new tasting room in Woodinville.