2021 Wine Grape Harvest Begins in Monterey County with a Sparkle

Positive Outlook for Harvest Due to Mild Weather Pattern

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA, August 24, 2021 – Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association is excited to announce the beginning of the 2021 Monterey AVA wine grape harvest with Scheid Family Wines’ Isabelle’s Vineyard located along the River Road Wine Trail. Mild weather has given Monterey County winegrowers a positive outlook on the quality of the 2021 harvest. 

Scheid Family Wines begins Harvest for Sparkling Wine

“Monterey County’s wine grapes are maturing under dependable warm days and cool nights. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Isabelle’s Vineyard located on River Road,” shared Kurt Gollnick, Chief Operating Officer of Scheid Family Wines. In Isabelle’s Vineyard Scheid Family Wines grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, delicate grapes that are used in their sparkling wines. “Grapes grown for sparkling wines are harvested at lower sugar content than grapes for still wines,” explained Gollnick. “The lower sugar content and early harvest preserve the natural grape acidity adding a crisp and lively freshness to the finished sparkling wines.” Isabelle’s Vineyard is a small ultra-premium vineyard totaling just three acres.

The 2021 inaugural harvest aptly began as the sun rose above the Salinas Valley on Friday, August 23rd.  Founder Al Scheid was present for the opening pick at Isabelle’s Vineyard, named after his mother. Located in the Monterey AVA, it is one of the most northerly vineyards in the county. The hand-harvested grapes will be used for the company’s namesake brand, Scheid Vineyards, in their Isabelle Cuvée. After the early morning harvest, the grapes headed to the winery to begin the crush and fermentation process. Scheid Family Wines uses the traditional method for sparkling winemaking, sometimes referred to as the Méthode Champenoise. This harvest’s Isabelle Cuvée will not be released for another five years.

Harvest Projection

This year’s crop, anticipated to generate an average to slightly light crop load, is expected to produce high-quality fruit throughout the region, with smaller berries and strong flavor development. 

“We’re expecting a gradual build-up to harvest this year due to the mild weather,” shared Kim Stemler, Executive Director of the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association. “The next few weeks of harvesting throughout Monterey Wine Country will primarily focus on harvesting grapes for sparkling wines, and then the region will begin with harvesting for still wines in the beginning of September. Sales for Monterey wine grapes have been strong this year – which is much-needed relief after 2020.”

Follow the Harvest

Follow the excitement of Monterey County’s harvest as it unfolds on Instagram and Facebook: MontereyWines and Montereywines.org. Share in the #MontereyWinesHarvest. 

About Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association

Formed in 1973, the Monterey County Vintners & Growers’ Association (MCVGA) brings together the talents and resources of winegrowers, winemakers, and our extended community to promote and support leadership in the art, science, and business of wine. By standing together, we strengthen the Monterey Wine Country™ brand and bring awareness to the region.

About Scheid Family Wines 

Scheid Family Wines is a family-owned and operated, estate-driven wine company founded in 1972. Based in Monterey County, California, Scheid is uniquely integrated to bring high quality estate grown wines to the marketplace from its sustainably certified vineyards and innovative luxury level winery. Scheid’s winery and bottling operations are powered by 100% renewable wind energy generated by a 400-foot-tall wind turbine, which also supplies energy to many homes in the local community. The Scheid Family Wines globally distributed portfolio includes Scheid Vineyards, Sunny with a Chance of Flowers, District 7, Ryder Estate, Metz Road, VDR, and Stokes’ Ghost. Scheid Family Wines also produces many regionally distributed brands for specific clients and distributors. For more information, please visit www.scheidfamilywines.com.