Veraison, the changing of color of the grapes, has begun in the Columbia Valley.

Ryan Driver, vineyard manager at Tertulia Cellars, reported seeing veraison in Tempranillo at Riviere Galets Vineyard in the Rocks District on July 18th. Driver noted veraison occurred in this variety last year on July 25th.

Saviah Cellars noted the same at Watermill Estate Vineyard on that same date. Meanwhile in the Lake Chelan appellation, Don Phelps at Hard Row to Hoe saw veraison in Pinot Noir on July19th.

It can only mean one thing: harvest is not far off!

Picture courtesy of Tertulia Cellars.