New French Oak barrels have been delivered, the wall of grape bins is being formed, and the production equipment has undergone its deep cleaning. This may be our last quiet weekend in the production building, as you can feel the excitement growing for what looks to be another incredible harvest! The 2025 vintage shows great promise after ample spring rainfall replenished the soils and set the stage for healthy growth. The vineyards experienced gorgeous, uniform budbreak and bloom. Summer brought mild temperatures, allowing for even ripening and full clusters.

The first fruit of Harvest 2025 has arrived! In the early hours of Wednesday, August 27, Calesa Vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir made their way onto the crush pad. This year’s first pick will be used for our Blanc de Noir sparkling wine. The berries went through a gentle whole-cluster press, and the juice is now co-fermenting in a combination of neutral French Oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. Once primary fermentation is complete, the still wine will be bottled, where it will undergo secondary fermentation to create those small bubbles we love!

Hudson Vineyards has been meticulously managed and farmed to produce premium grapes by Lee Hudson since 1981, when he bought the 2,000-acre property in Carneros. Our team had the honor of touring our Syrah and Merlot blocks on the ranch with Lee, his Vineyard manager, Kelly Macleod, and, of course, their winery dogs. We learned about their farming practices and their dedication to producing varietal distinctness based on the terroir.

Their team works closely with Kirk to manage our blocks to his exact specifications. Our Syrah block is thinned not once, not twice, but three times to maintain two clusters per shoot and to ensure that no two clusters touch. This allows for maximum nutrient distribution and concentration to the absolute best clusters, resulting in the complex wine that you are able to enjoy.

Our Merlot block is on the front side of this incredible ranch and receives maximum sunlight throughout the day. Our block has fastidiously manicured canopies to allow for more exposure to the warm embrace of the morning sun while providing shade to the harsh afternoon sun. This allows for even ripening and no sunburn.

FUN FACT: Hudson Ranch has four flags flying at all times (United States of America, Mexico, California, and Texas). However, their fifth flag rotates based on the season. Right now, their Jolly Roger flag is hoisted to signal that harvest has started!