As the sun sets on another fruitful year at Balletto Vineyards, we find ourselves reflecting on a season that has been as rewarding as it has been challenging. The end of harvest marks a time of transition, where the fruits of our labor are carefully nurtured into the wines you'll soon enjoy. For wine lovers and local fans of Balletto Vineyards, this is not just the end of a growing season; it's a celebration of our shared passion for winemaking and the vibrant stories that each bottle tells.

What Harvest Season Means for Wineries

The most important time of year for any winery…

Harvest season is a pivotal time for wineries around the world. It's the moment when grapevines, after months of careful tending, reach their peak ripeness and it's time to gather the fruit. For us at Balletto, this is when our vineyards burst into a flurry of activity, with the excitement of hand-picking each grape, ensuring only the best make it into our barrels.

The beginning of harvest signals a period of intense labor and meticulous attention to detail. Grapes are quickly transported to our winery, where they're sorted and crushed, starting their transformation into wine. From there, they are gently guided through fermentation and into barrels, where they will age and develop the complex flavors that define our vintages. It's a time of year that encapsulates the essence of winemaking—a blend of art, science, and nature working in harmony.

For many, it's easy to overlook what goes into a glass of wine. Yet, behind each sip lies the culmination of a year's worth of dedication. Harvest season is not just about gathering grapes; it's about capturing the spirit of a vineyard in its prime, preserving it, and sharing it with you. At Balletto, we take pride in each bottle we produce, a testament to the hard work and commitment that goes into our craft.

Welcome Our New Viticulturalist Herb Rowland

This year, we welcomed a new member to the Balletto family—our viticulturalist, Herb Rowland. Herb brings with him a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective, having navigated his first harvest season with us. His expertise has been invaluable in ensuring that our vineyards thrive, adapting to the nuances of our unique terroir.

Herb has quickly become an integral part of our team, overseeing the intricate dance of grape growing that is crucial to our success. His approach combines traditional practices with innovative techniques, aiming to enhance the quality and sustainability of our vineyards. Under his guidance, we've seen our vines flourish, promising an exciting future for Balletto wines.

Alongside Herb, we've had the pleasure of working with several talented winery interns this season. These budding winemakers have brought enthusiasm and new ideas, contributing to the dynamic environment at Balletto. Their presence reminds us of the importance of nurturing the next generation of vintners, ensuring that the art of winemaking continues to evolve and inspire.

Saying Goodbye to BCD Vineyard Zinfandel Vines

A fond farewell in the BCD Vineyard…

One of the more bittersweet moments this harvest was saying goodbye to our BCD Vineyard Zinfandel vines. After years of producing some of our most beloved wines, the decision was made to retire these vines and prepare for replanting next season. While it's a necessary step for the health and longevity of our vineyard, it also marks the end of an era.

For those who cherish our Zinfandels, this means that the current vintages are particularly special. They represent the last of their kind until our new vines mature. We encourage fans to savor these bottles and appreciate the legacy they carry. It's a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of viticulture, where endings often make way for new beginnings.

Replanting offers an opportunity to refine our techniques and explore new possibilities. We're excited about the potential for our future Zinfandel and are committed to maintaining the quality and character you've come to love from Balletto. Keep an eye out for updates as we begin this new chapter in our vineyard's history.

Harvesting for Vin De Paille Late Harvest Wine

This season, we've also harvested another batch of grapes destined for our fan-favorite Vin De Paille Late Harvest Wine! Known for its luscious sweetness and complexity, Vin De Paille is a style of wine that requires patience and precision.

Vin De Paille, or "straw wine," is one of our favorite dessert wines made from specially dehydrating grapes before juicing, increasing their sugar levels & creating it’s signature sun-kissed flavor. It gained it’s name after the traditional practice of laying grapes on straw beds to dry, ironically though, most modern winemakers have moved on from using straw beds to dry grapes due to the higher risks of rot & contaminants that can come with one bad bunch of hay. Nowadays reusable plastic bins are the preferred way to dry Vin De Paille grapes. In the cool-climate of the Russian River Valley, grapes set aside for our Vin De Paille are briefly left to warm under the sun’s rays, before being moved inside for the rest of their dehydration. Colder climates mean that extra steps must be taken to ensure the grapes properly desiccate without being able to rely on warmer weather. These grapes will spend their days stacked inside a barnyard equipped with several fans to ensure the inside remains dry & moist-free, until the grapes become nearly raisins.

For those who enjoy a sweet finish, our Vin De Paille offers an enticing bouquet of flavors, ranging from honeyed apricots to hints of almond and vanilla. We're eagerly awaiting its release and invite you to experience the magic of this late harvest gem. Stay tuned for announcements on its availability—you won't want to miss out on this exceptional treat.

Wrapping Up Another Harvest at Balletto Vineyards

We’ll see you all next year! Same time, same place.

As we conclude another harvest at Balletto Vineyards, we reflect on a season filled with hard work, change, and promise. From welcoming Herb Rowland and our talented interns to bidding farewell to cherished vines, each moment has contributed to the tapestry of our vineyard's story. It's a story that is enriched by the dedication of our team and the support of our community.

Harvest is more than just a time to pick grapes; it's a celebration of the land, the people, and the processes that come together to create something truly special. We're grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey, from our staff and partners to you, our loyal supporters. Your passion for wine fuels our commitment to excellence and innovation.

We wish you all a happy end to this harvest season and invite you to continue following our adventure. Whether you're savoring a glass of Balletto wine or sharing your own stories, know that you're part of a community that values tradition, craftsmanship, and connection. Cheers to another year of remarkable wine and shared experiences!