Walla Walla Valley Wine Grape Harvest

Walla Walla, WA (November 19, 2007) – It is mid November, and this year’s crush is winding down in the Walla Walla Valley. For most wineries, fermenting juice has been pressed, barreled, and is being closely monitored as it approaches dryness.

The 2007 harvest in Walla Walla began for most of the Valley’s vineyards in early September, and wrapped up toward the end of October. Weather leading up to harvest was warm but mild and even with only a few heat spikes. There were several spells of rain during harvest, but these did not have a negative affect on the maturing grapes. Overall, the weather conditions were ideal for ripening fruit.

Throughout the Valley yields averaged between 2 and 4 tons per acre. Sugars levels at the time of harvest for red varietals varied between 24 and 26 brix, with sugars of white varietals averaging between 22 and 25 brix.

Growers and vintners alike are optimistic about the 2007 vintage and are predicting the wines will be unique and of high quality. While still cautious, many winemakers are expecting the 2007 vintage to produce some of the best wines of recent years.

The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is a winery and grower membership organization committed to furthering the awareness of the quality wineries, wines, and vineyards of the Walla Walla Valley Appellation. Our mission is to support and promote quality and excellence in our wine industry and to further national and international recognition of our region. For more information, please visit www.wallawallawine.com.

For press information please contact Jordan Small, Communications Associate, at 509-526-3117 or at jordan@wallawallawine.com, or Elizabeth Martin-Calder, Executive Director, at 509-526-3117 or emcalder@wallawallawine.com.