Verasion

Veraison: The Turning Point in the Vineyard
If you’ve ever walked through a Napa Valley vineyard in midsummer and noticed green grapes suddenly turning shades of deep purple, blush pink, or golden yellow—you’ve witnessed veraison.
What is Veraison?
Veraison (pronounced ver-ray-zhun) is the stage in the grapevine’s lifecycle when the fruit begins to ripen. Before this point, grapes are small, hard, and green because they’re high in acid and low in sugar. During veraison:

Color changes: Red grape varieties shift from green to red, purple, or blue, while white grapes take on a golden hue.
Sugar increases: The plant starts moving sugars from the leaves into the berries, increasing sweetness.
Acid softens: Acidity decreases, creating balance for eventual wine.
Flavors develop: The fruit begins to show the first hints of the aromas and flavors you’ll taste in the finished wine.
Why Does It Matter for Wine?
Veraison is the official signal that harvest is drawing closer. For winemakers and vineyard teams, it’s a key point for:
Monitoring ripeness: Tasting berries and measuring sugar levels to predict harvest timing.
Adjusting vineyard care: Fine-tuning irrigation, canopy management, and crop load to ensure even ripening.
Planning harvest: Coordinating crews, winery space, and equipment for when the fruit is ready.
Veraison in Our Vineyards
In our seven single vineyards across Oakville, Yountville, and beyond, veraison is a unique experience in each block. Our Ghost Block Cabernet Sauvignon may turn rich purple days before our Cabernet Franc. Kendall and Alec, along with our winemaking team, walk each site, tasting berries and making notes—because the story of our vintage starts here.
When Can You See It?
In Napa Valley, veraison typically happens between late July and early August, depending on the variety and the weather. It’s a fleeting moment—within weeks, the change is complete, and the countdown to harvest begins.