“I might actually get to enjoy the month of October for the first time in 20 years.”
That's how Winemaker Aaron Walker describes Harvest 2026. After one of the earliest starts he's experienced in two decades of winemaking, we're also on track for one of the earliest finishes. Other winemakers with more than 40 harvests behind them are saying much the same.
Aaron's one-word description for the vintage? Compact.
What would normally unfold over a longer stretch has happened in a remarkably condensed window, with varieties and vineyard blocks ripening in quick succession. Warm weather accelerated ripening across Santa Barbara County, particularly in the Sta. Rita Hills, making picking decisions a daily balancing act between flavor development, natural acidity, fruit health, and changing weather.
Yields have been light, but the fruit coming into the winery has been clean and healthy. More importantly, Aaron is excited about the quality of the wines taking shape so far.
Harvest 2026 also brought three new varieties into the winery: Aligoté, Trousseau, and Poulsard. As with any new grape, Aaron's approach is intentionally straightforward, giving each variety a chance to show what it is and what it wants to become before experimenting further in future vintages.
He's also revisiting several small-production projects that began as trials in recent years, including Pink Viognier, Gamay Nouveau, and 'Chat Noir' carbonic Dornfelder, while continuing to experiment with whole-cluster and stem-inclusion fermentations, particularly with Pinot Noir.
One project Aaron is particularly excited about is this year's Aaron's Revenge. Our hopped white wine will be bottled and released almost immediately after production, making 2026 our freshest expression of the wine yet.
With an expected final harvest of approximately 150 tons, most coming from Pali Vineyard, only a few picks remain. We're letting two final blocks of Syrah and Pinot Noir hang until they reach the ripeness Aaron is looking for.
Harvest may have moved faster than anyone expected, but the wines are only beginning their journey. Stay tuned as the 2026 vintage makes its way from the cellar to your glass.
