The Journey of a Grape: From Vine to Bottle in Monterey County

September in Monterey County means one thing: harvest season. But how exactly does a grape make its journey from vineyard to the wine in your glass?

Step 1: Growing Season
Our grapes begin their journey in the cool-climate vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands, nurtured by foggy mornings and sunny afternoons that give them balance and complexity.

Step 2: Harvest
Once the grapes reach perfect ripeness, they’re hand-picked during the cool early mornings of fall. Harvest is both exhilarating and exhausting—but it’s where the year’s work comes together.

Step 3: Winemaking
After picking, grapes are crushed, fermented, and carefully aged. Chardonnay develops bright acidity and minerality, while Pinot Noir slowly evolves into a silky, layered wine.

Step 4: From Barrel to Bottle
Months (sometimes years) later, the wine is bottled and ready to be enjoyed—each sip carrying the journey of a grape, the care of our winemakers, and the essence of Monterey.

Experience harvest season firsthand. Visit Cypress Grove Winery this fall and taste Monterey’s journey from vine to bottle.