HARVEST HIGHLIGHTS

Harvest season is the most intense, exciting, and crucial time of the year. It’s a period where passion meets precision, and teamwork fuels the process of transforming grapes from the vine into wine. With the last grape clusters pressed and fermentations underway, Winemaker Zach Watkins reflects on a remarkable 2025 harvest, noting “Plentiful winter rains and cool temperatures created ideal conditions, allowing flavors to develop beautifully ahead of sugar accumulation—a rare and exciting balance.”

Join us for an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 harvest, and celebrate the people who make it all happen.

Meet Juan Alonso, our Monte Rosso Vineyard Manager. His keen eye and deep understanding of Monte Rosso’s unique terroir are invaluable. He leads the team, ensuring that only the ripest clusters are selected. “Timing is everything” he says. “We harvest in the early morning to capture the grapes at their peak, when they’re cool and full of flavor.”

Image of Juan Alonso harvesting grapes

Monte Rosso Old Vine Semillon

Our historic vineyard delivered exceptional fruit this year. We experimented with a three-day skin-and-stem soak before fermenting in second-fill Austrian oak barrels. The result? Two unique barrels bursting with tropical fruit character that will add remarkable complexity to the final blend.

Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

We were first to harvest this renowned site this season—a decision that’s already proving rewarding. This wine shows incredible promise and may become one of our Winemaker’s personal favorites from the vintage.

Winemaker Zach Watkins

Meet Zach Watkins, our Winemaker: Zach is responsible (among other things) for monitoring the fermentation process. He conducts daily tastings and measurements to ensure everything is on track. “Fermentation is both an art and a science. We use our senses and technology to guide the process, making adjustments as needed to achieve the perfect balance.”

Bruadair Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The top wine for overall texture this year is our single-vineyard expression from Bruadair on Mount Veeder. With a mouthfeel that perfectly balances power and elegance, this wine stands out as one of the most exceptional in the cellar right now.

Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon Co-Fermentation

The most intriguing aroma of the season came from an exciting co-fermentation of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon—an innovative blend we’re developing for a 2027 release. Its aromatic profile is unlike anything else in our cellar, and we can’t wait to see how it evolves.

Heritage-Inspired Aging

This year, we reintroduced large-format casks exceeding 300 gallons for aging our most outstanding vineyard selections for Gryphon. This traditional approach—a nod to our winery’s storied past—slows maturation and concentrates aromatics in fascinating ways.

Celebrating the Harvest Team

Harvest is a team effort and it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and passion of every team member. From the pickers in the vineyard to the cellar crew, everyone plays a vital role in bringing our wines to life.

Zach Watkins and Juan Alonso harvesting grapes

Close up of grapes being hand-picked from the vine

Harvest is more than just a process; it’s a labor of love. It’s a time when our collective passion, skill, and dedication come together to create wines that reflect the essence of our extraordinary vineyards. Mother Nature cooperated beautifully this year, allowing us to complete over 90% of harvest before the weather turned wet. This timing couldn’t have been more perfect, ensuring optimal ripeness across our vineyards.

We invite you to raise a glass to the hardworking team who make vintage 2025 possible, and to the timeless tradition of winemaking that defines our legacy.

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