Happy 2026 Harvest!

And just like that, Harvest 2026 is in the books!

Every year around this time, we get the same question: “So, how did harvest go?”

This year felt especially meaningful because it marked our 10th harvest at Pressley Vineyards. It’s hard to believe we’re already ten vintages into this passion project of ours. While no two harvests have ever looked quite the same, the pride and satisfaction that comes with finishing another season never gets old.

A Challenging Grape Market

Like every harvest, this one came with its share of challenges.

The grape and wine industry continues to navigate an oversupplied market, with more wine and grapes available than current demand can support. Because approximately 95% of the fruit we grow is sold to other wineries, finding a home for our grapes is an incredibly important part of our harvest each year.

This season, getting everything sold came down to the wire. We know how fortunate we were to find homes for our remaining fruit just in time, especially knowing that many growers throughout our industry continue to face difficult decisions.

Farming has a way of reminding you that there are so many things outside of your control. You spend an entire year caring for a vineyard—pruning, irrigating, managing the canopy, watching the weather and walking the rows—all with the hope that when harvest arrives, there will be a home for the fruit you’ve worked so hard to grow.

This year, thankfully, there was.

One of Our Earliest Harvests Yet

And then there was the timing!

Harvest came early this year. Charlie had his first pick for his day job as a vineyard manager on July 12, about three weeks earlier than we’re accustomed to.

We started with Pinot Noir destined for sparkling wine, followed by Albariño, then fruit for Rosé, and finally wrapped up with our remaining Pinot Noir.

By the last week of August, we were done—before Labor Day and with an entire week still left in the month. This is unheard of for us!

Ten harvests in, and we’re still amazed by how different each growing season can be. Just when you think you know what to expect, farming has a way of changing the plan.

Most importantly, the quality of the fruit this year was exceptional, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the wines that come from the 2026 vintage.

Another growing season finished. Another harvest behind us. And another reminder of why, even through the challenging years, we continue to love what we do.

Cheers,
B & C