Early, low-yield 2026 harvest reported across Monterey and Santa Cruz counties

The 2026 harvest was nearly finished by early October in most Monterey and Santa Cruz county vineyards, according to Edible Monterey Bay. Growers and vineyard consultants linked reduced fruit set to an early start to vine growth after a warm January and March, followed by cool, wet and breezy April weather during flowering. Reported crop losses ranged from about 5% to more than 90%, depending on the site.

Higher-elevation Santa Cruz Mountains vineyards were among the hardest hit. Consultant Ken Swegles reported Pinot Noir yields at some Summit-area sites down roughly 75%, with one typical yield of 1.5 tons per acre falling to about a quarter ton. At Burrell School Vineyards, owner Dave Moulton said the crop was 33% to 40% of the previous year’s level; Pinot Noir production fell from seven tons to two. Sante Arcangeli’s Cindy Kane expected the winery to make about 700 cases, roughly half its usual volume.

The effects extended beyond the mountains. Calera began picking on Aug. 10 and finished Aug. 16, its earliest harvest, and took in only two tons of Chenin Blanc. At Escolle, Caraccioli reported final yields about 25% below normal and harvest around 20 days earlier than usual, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay most affected. Ryan Alfaro also reported the earliest finish in his experience at Trout Gulch and a record-low crop there.

Conditions were less severe in parts of Arroyo Seco. Griva Vineyards reported Chardonnay down 15% and Sauvignon Blanc down 20%, while Joyce Wine Co. described yields in much of the area as close to normal, with a 5% to 7% reduction. The report also noted exceptions elsewhere, including near-normal Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Ferrari Ranch in Corralitos and an apparently close-to-normal crop at Windy Oaks’ estate vineyard, which had not yet been picked.

Despite the small crops, several growers and winemakers described fruit quality favorably, citing small berries, concentrated flavors and high acidity. Those early assessments varied by site and variety. The report also documented changes in what wineries could make: Sante Arcangeli secured Chardonnay from Chestnut Hill, while Madson lost its Gamay and Chenin Blanc at Ascona but retained small amounts of Aligoté and Syrah.