Despite the hottest growing season in recent memory, 2022 is shaping up to be a delicious year for wine in the Central Coast. Here are the key takeaways on harvest from the leading winemakers in the Paso Robles and SLO Coast wine regions.
Aug. 26, 2022 (Paso Robles, Calif.) –Solterra Strategies, a boutique public relations firm representing wineries, tourism destinations and marquee wine events throughout the Central Coast, is pleased to share this harvest status report from top winemakers working throughout the Paso Robles and SLO Coast American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).
Overall, many are reporting the growing season has been one of the warmest in recent memory, resulting in a markedly early harvest with lower yields.
Winemakers are likening this year to 2017, when a string of extreme heat waves brought on an earlier harvest. Instead of heat waves, this year there were long stretches of slightly above average days, especially in late July and early August.
The heat coupled with ongoing drought conditions are presenting growers with challenges, but also rewards in terms of quality. The good news is the warm and dry conditions this year are creating smaller, more concentrated grapes, which is ideal for winemaking. While it affects yields, it produces intense and complex flavors, bolder colors, vibrant acidity and manageable tannins. These conditions have winemakers feeling quite bullish for Vintage 2022, with many predicting a banner year.
Many winemakers also say labor shortages and supply chain issues are still major issues in their farming operations.
