Harvest is underway for the winemakers of Santa Barbara County, and while the start took longer than normal, the vintners are happy with what they’re finding, claiming the vintage to be “late but great.” The delay was due to the coldest July on record, according to the Vintners Association’s Jim Fiolek, but he predicted that the longer hang time will result in “beautiful” flavors and “balanced sugars.” First off the vines are the grapes that will become white and sparkling wines, with the reds to follow through the rest of the season. “October is going to be a busy month,” promised Fiolek.
