At Cavaletti Vineyards, every growing season tells its own story. As we enter our 12th harvest, the 2026 vintage is shaping up to be one of the earliest—and potentially one of the most exciting—we've experienced in Ventura County.
Veraison, the stage when grapes soften and begin changing from green to red or gold, is now well underway across our vineyards. It's only July 9, yet we've already installed bird netting in several vineyards—earlier than ever before. Based on current conditions, we expect harvesting to begin in some locations during the first week of August, nearly four weeks ahead of a typical year.
While an early season creates exciting possibilities, it also brings new challenges. As every grower knows, Mother Nature always has the final say.
A warm winter, abundant rainfall, and moderate spring temperatures encouraged the vines to emerge from dormancy earlier than usual. The result has been vigorous canopy growth and an accelerated growing season.
One concern heading into spring was the increased risk of Pierce's Disease, a devastating vine disease spread by glassy-winged sharpshooters. Cold winters naturally reduce sharpshooter populations, but last winter's mild temperatures allowed more insects to survive.
Unfortunately, we've seen exactly that.
During a recent visit to Roll Ranch in Upper Ojai, clouds of sharpshooters lifted from nearly every vine. Similar populations have appeared at Costa Vineyard in Moorpark, where neighboring citrus orchards provide ideal habitat for the insects. While our vineyards remain healthy, it's a reminder that successful farming requires constant observation and adaptation.
The same weather that encouraged vigorous vine growth also created ideal conditions for powdery mildew.
Because Cavaletti farms using organic practices, our primary defense is an organic mineral oil spray that is both safe and effective. In a normal year, treatments every ten days provide excellent control. This season's conditions have required spraying nearly every week to stay ahead of the disease.
The additional work has paid off. Our vineyards remain remarkably clean, while some growers who delayed adjusting their spray programs have already suffered significant crop losses.
Organic farming often means more work rather than less—but seasons like this demonstrate why careful attention throughout the growing season matters.
Grenache has produced an exceptional crop throughout Ventura County and is shaping up to be one of the stars of the 2026 vintage. Healthy yields, a long growing season, and the absence of major heat spikes should allow the fruit to develop outstanding flavor while maintaining vibrant natural acidity.
Most vineyards are only beginning veraison, although Rancho Baila Sol is already well ahead, with many clusters fully colored. Harvest is currently projected for late September through early October.
Syrah has set a slightly lighter crop than normal, with more "hens and chicks" clusters—berries of varying sizes—than we've seen in recent vintages.
Veraison is progressing steadily, and we anticipate harvesting in early September. Smaller crops often translate into greater concentration, making this a variety we're watching closely.
Mourvèdre has historically been our most challenging grape to fully ripen in coastal Ventura County, but this season may change that.
The vines carry beautiful, loose clusters beneath fully developed canopies, and the first signs of color change have appeared. This variety also demands more supplemental irrigation than most of our vineyards.
If conditions continue, we'll decide later whether to harvest for a fresh rosé or allow the fruit to hang on the vine into October for a red wine. Either way, this could become our strongest Mourvèdre vintage yet.
Our two small Sauvignon Blanc vineyards are developing beautifully.
We've intentionally limited irrigation to slow excessive canopy growth and keep berry size under control, helping concentrate flavors. Harvest is expected around mid-August.
The historic old vines at Lopez Vineyard never appear especially vigorous, but they continue to surprise us.
This year they produced an unusually small crop, with many vines carrying only two clusters. Veraison is highly uneven—some clusters are completely dark while others remain bright green—but that's not unusual for old-vine Zinfandel.
We expect harvest during the first or second week of August.
Although we grow only a small amount of Sangiovese, it will likely become the first red grape harvested in Ventura County for Cavaletti this year.
The fruit is already showing beautiful color and excellent balance. Current estimates point toward a late August harvest, although Sangiovese is known for occasionally pausing during ripening, which could push harvest into early September.
So far, the 2026 growing season has given us every reason to be optimistic. Early development, balanced weather, healthy vineyards, and promising fruit all point toward an outstanding vintage.
But winegrowers know better than to celebrate too early.
Heat waves, unexpected weather, wildlife, and disease can still reshape a harvest in the weeks ahead. As the old saying goes, "Mother Nature Bats Last."
For now, we're encouraged by what we're seeing and look forward to sharing the first wines from this remarkable vintage with you in the years to come.
If you'd like to follow the journey from vineyard to bottle, visit us in our Moorpark winery tasting room and experience the wines that begin in these Ventura County vineyards.
