2019 Harvest Updates

We have heard some great things about the 2019 harvest this year in Texas. For what was expected to be an average harvest, it is turning out that the harvest is bearing more quality fruit and wineries are scrambling to find space for it.

Here is some information from some of the Texas Fine Wine wineries on the current harvest. As a reminder, Texas Fine Wine will be holding their 2019 Texas Fine Wine dinner at 4.0 Cellars on October 18. Last we heard, there were still tickets available so grab them fast from their website! Be sure to check the Texas Fine Wine website for future events too.

Julie Kuhlken – Pedernales Cellars

We got our last 15 tons of grapes last week. After a growing season that started cooler and wetter than usual, the hot dry weather that started in late June strained the vines and slowed their ripening. Though harvest started in both the Hill Country and High Plains more or less at the usual time, it proceeded much more slowly than usual. We brought in the last lot from Kuhlken Vineyard (Hill Country) in early September rather than mid-August. Because of the slow ripening, fruit came in at slightly lower brix than usual (12.5-13% ABV most likely), but good quality. Some lots that stood out were the Sangiovese and Touriga Nacional from Kuhlken Vineyards, both of which will likely end up in our estate blend (Kuhlken Vineyards Reserve), Syrah from Lahey Vineyards, Mourvèdre from Desert Willow Vineyards, and Carignan from Lost Draw.

Dave Reilly, Duchman Family Winery

Everything seemed pretty typical until a few weeks ago when clouds and cooler temperatures moved into the High Plains. Montepulciano and Aglianico are still hanging at Oswald Vineyard. We will be harvesting those last two varietals tonight and tomorrow as a freeze is expected Friday (Oct. 11). As far as quality, I would rate this vintage as excellent.

Ron Yates, Spicewood Vineyards

Weather has been tough this year with the wet spring, followed by really hot and dry conditions, which has slowed ripening. We are excited about some spectacular Tempranillo fruit from Rusty Dutton in Tahoka (Texas Vineyard Management).