From Dormancy to Harvest: A Year in the Vineyard

Well, friends, another year has wrapped up here at Rubino Estates! As I sit down to write this, the 2024 harvest is officially in the books, and the vines are settling into their winter slumber. It’s been an incredible journey watching these vines go through their yearly cycle—from bare branches in January to the lush, ripe clusters we brought in just last month. Now, as the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and gold, it feels like the perfect time to share some snapshots of the past 12 months. So grab a glass of your favorite Rubino wine and scroll along!

Winter always starts things off on a quiet note. The vines are stripped bare, their trunks stark against the gray skies. Pruning is key during this time—our team works tirelessly to shape each vine for the coming season. It’s hard, physical work, but essential for producing high-quality grapes later on.

Fast forward to March, and we’re greeted by the first signs of life: tiny buds popping out along the vines. Bud break is such a magical moment, signaling the start of another growing season. This year, it happened right on schedule, filling the air with anticipation.

By April, those little buds have grown into delicate leaves, giving the vineyard a fresh, green glow. It’s incredible how quickly nature works its magic. By the end of the month, we could already see the early clusters forming—little hints of what was to come.

May rolled around, and the canopy began to expand dramatically. The vines looked fuller than ever, stretching skyward as they prepared for the summer ahead. It’s always amazing to see how rapidly everything grows during this time.

June brought the promise of flowers, and soon enough, the vineyard was dotted with delicate white blooms. These flowers would eventually transform into the berries we’ve all been waiting for. Our winemaker, Jesse, kept a close eye on them, knowing that their health would determine the quality of our future wines.

July marked the transition to “fruit set,” where the flowers turned into actual grape clusters. This phase is crucial because it gives us a glimpse into what the harvest might look like weeks down the line. Some blocks were bursting with potential, while others required extra attention to ensure even ripening.

As summer hit full stride, the grapes grew plumper and more vibrant under the California sun. At first, they were all shades of green, but then veraison kicked in—turning them into deep purples, rich reds, and golden yellows depending on the variety. Watching this transformation never gets old!

Jesse monitored every single block with laser precision, tasting and testing to find the ideal moment to pick. Timing is everything in winemaking, and he didn’t leave anything to chance. This year, we started with the Sauvignon Blanc in early September, followed by the Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varietals shortly after.

The heatwaves this summer certainly put the vines to the test, but they handled it beautifully. Despite the challenges, the grapes came out stronger than ever, with concentrated flavors and sugars. Of course, it also meant we had to move quickly to stay ahead of the ripening curve.

Now, as the leaves fall and the vines settle into dormancy, the vineyard takes on a serene beauty. It’s hard not to feel grateful for this process—the cycles of growth, rest, and renewal that make winemaking so special. And speaking of gratitude, our team worked tirelessly throughout the season to bring you the best possible wines. From pruning to harvesting to pressing, every step matters.

This final image was taken earlier this week, capturing the last press of the season. What a year it’s been! We’re proud of the hard work that went into it, and we hope you’ll enjoy the fruits of our labor this winter.

So here’s to the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As the vines rest and the seasons turn, we invite you to visit us at the estate. Take a walk among the vines, sip some wine by the fire, and soak in the tranquility of the vineyard. Until next spring, cheers to great wine and even better memories!

 

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