Inside the Harvest: A Look at 2024 Vintage

Early Harvest & Strategic Picking Decisions

The harvest began early this year due to a late-summer heatwave that accelerated ripening. We kicked things off with Grenache Blanc on Labor Day, as it is always the first to ripen, followed by Tempranillo and Syrah. Our vineyard, typically cooler due to the ocean's influence, usually allows us to extend hang time, but when temperatures soared past 100°F, we made the call to harvest Syrah earlier than expected.

By September 9th, we picked Picpoul and Roussanne, as the heat caused sugar levels to climb rapidly. Meanwhile, we took a gamble with Grenache and Mourvèdre, leaving them on the vine despite the stress from extreme temperatures. As we watched leaves fall to the ground and worried the plants might shut down, we irrigated strategically to support the vines. Soon, fresh leaves started to push through, signaling that the fruit would continue to ripen. Ultimately, we harvested both varieties in early October, just before the next heatwave. The hot weather should contribute to bold flavors and strong concentration in the final wines.

Navigating a Volatile Growing Season

The weather in 2024 was highly variable—a cool and late spring transitioned into a hot, dry summer, culminating in a heatwave that challenged both fruit and crew. Managing excessive heat during harvest is a delicate balance.

• For white grapes, too much heat can lead to bitterness, early oxidation, and reduced juice yield.

• For red grapes, rapid sugar accumulation can outpace tannin and phenolic maturity, resulting in green flavors and lighter color.

• Heat stress also lowers YAN and malic acid levels, which can affect fermentation and overall balance.

To combat these challenges, we implemented sustainable cooling techniques, including solar-powered cooler boxes and smaller picking trays, preventing premature fermentation and helping us retain fruit purity and structure.

The Impact of Rainfall on 2024’s Fruit Quality

The exceptional rainfall of 2023 (54 inches) and 2024 (35 inches), well above the historical average of 24 inches, gave our vines the resilience they needed to withstand this year’s heat. The resulting dense canopy provided natural protection against sunburn and dehydration.

At the same time, we were mindful of potential mildew pressure due to the lush vegetative growth. Thankfully, the strong winds and the amphitheater-like shape of our vineyard kept disease pressure low and allow us to maintain high-quality fruit without synthetic chemicals.

Cluster Size, Yield & Initial Impressions

The Syrah clusters were smaller than usual, with a high skin-to-juice ratio, enhancing color, complexity, and tannin structure. Meanwhile, Tempranillo yielded a bumper crop, bouncing back from the prior year’s total loss. While overall yields were slightly below average, the balance of concentration and acidity makes us optimistic about the potential of the 2024 vintage.

Overcoming Labor & Harvest Challenges

The combination of a compressed harvest window and extreme heat made this year especially demanding. Night temperatures remained at 93°F during the heatwave, forcing us to work creatively to protect fruit integrity.

Picking in small trays and immediately transferring fruit to cooler boxes prevented premature fermentation, but it required intensive labor and left little time for rest. Still, we believe these efforts will pay off in the glass.

Sustainability & Regenerative Practices: A Commitment to the Future

At Ojai Mountain, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. This year, we saw the benefits of regenerative farming firsthand:

• Cover crops helped retain soil moisture and promote biodiversity.

• Our bee boxes not only supported vineyard pollination but also produced a special honey we plan to share with our club members.

• Our investment in solar-powered cooler boxes reduced our reliance on generators, marking a step forward in our journey toward fully sustainable operations.

Looking Ahead

While 2024 brought its share of challenges, we believe this vintage will stand out for its depth, richness, and concentration. Every year in the vineyard is a learning experience, and this harvest reinforced the importance of adaptability, patience, and a commitment to sustainability.

As our wines begin their journey in the cellar, we look forward to sharing them with you—and to what 2025 has in store!

Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for being part of the Ojai Mountain journey.