06/18/2026
What is the best time to harvest Chardonnay? Let's find out! Chardonnay, specifically Schmidt Family Vineyard Chardonnay, tends to be harvested in late September - early October. It is often one of the first white varietals to be harvested. We like to pick it around 23 brix, or about 23% sugar, which sounds like a lot, but remember most of that sugar will be fermented off to achieve a nice balance of sugar, acid and flavor. We also harvest early in the morning to, again, preserve that acid/sugar/flavor balance. It sounds easy, but mother nature can come in and stir it all up! Which means we can pick earlier, or later depending on rain, temperature, sun. So, the key to it all is just get in the vineyard and sample, sample, sample and then sample some more!
