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

Precept Wine vineyard manager Brittany Komm-Sanders noted veraison in Cabernet Sauvignon and Dolcetto at the winery’s Skyfall Vineyard in Yakima Valley on July 21st. Veraison began in Cabernet on that same date in 2019 and on July 12th for Dolcetto.

Meanwhile Browne Family Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley, another Precept property, saw veraison in its Tempranillo. Veraison occurred in this same block on July 23rd last year.

Overall, 2020 Growing Degree Days, a measure of heat accumulation, are slightly above long-term averages.

Veraison always means one thing: harvest is not far off.

Picture courtesy of Brittany Komm-Sanders.