CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. — The 2025 growing season in Monterey County can best be described as a Goldilocks vintage, not too hot, not too cold, but perfectly balanced. With only a handful of brief warm spells, this year recalls cooler, classically elegant vintages such as 1998, 1999, 2010, and 2011, years celebrated for their finesse and structure.
Bernardus Vineyards & Winery Winemaker Jim McCabe, now in his sixteenth harvest with the family owned winery in Carmel Valley, notes that 2025 marks one of the latest starts to harvest in his tenure.
“The beauty of 2025 is that every picking decision between our growers and me has been based purely on flavor development and fruit ripeness,” says McCabe. “It’s been a gradual, measured process without the pressure of a dehydrating heat wave or late-season weather event. We’ve been able to harvest each of our Pinot Noir sites—working closely with grower partners like Gary Franscioni and Joe Alarid—right at the peak of fruit quality.”
Harvest officially began on September 15, 2025 with Pinot Noir, Clone 667, from the renowned Soberanes Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands—over two weeks later than the historical average. Since then, fruit has flowed steadily from Bernardus’ celebrated single-vineyard sites including Rosella’s, Tondré, Garys’, Ingrid’s, and Sierra Mar, at a pace McCabe describes as “constant but never rushed.”
“Pinot Noir sugars are averaging between 24.5° and 25.5° Brix, with excellent color and natural pH levels around 3.33–3.40,” he explains. “Fermentations have been healthy and expressive—I’m really excited about the wines we’ll make this year.”
As the Pinot Noir harvest wraps up, attention turns to Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, both showing equally strong promise. Early picks from Griva Vineyard (Sauvignon Blanc) and Soberanes and Sierra Mar Vineyards (Chardonnay) arrived at the winery in pristine condition—hand-harvested clusters brimming with vibrant flavors and refreshing acidity.
McCabe reflects, “Every vintage brings its own set of challenges, but 2025 has been a season of patience rewarded. It’s shaping up to be something truly special in Monterey County this year.”
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About Bernardus Winery
Bernardus Vineyards & Winery is a legacy winery in Carmel Valley, showcasing single vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from the most prized sites in the Monterey County region. Founded over 35 years ago by Bernardus “Ben” Pon, his commitment to quality and generations of grower relationships throughout Monterey’s Santa Lucia Highlands thrive today. Inspired by his Dutch heritage and driven by innovation, this family-owned winery is distinguishing itself as the gold standard of elegant, yet approachable luxury wines, offering a premier hospitality experience at its Carmel Valley tasting room. Learn more at Bernardus.com.
