September marks California Wine Month, a time to celebrate harvest season and the people, places, and stories that define California wine. Across the state, vineyards come alive as grapes are picked and the year’s work in the vines moves into the cellar.
For Sterling Vineyards, California Wine Month is both a celebration of the present harvest and a reflection on a legacy rooted in Napa Valley history.
California Wine Month is celebrated each September during harvest season. Sterling Vineyards, founded in 1964, has played a pioneering role in Napa Valley winemaking, including bottling California’s first vintage-dated Merlot in 1969.
What Is California Wine Month
California Wine Month takes place every September to recognize the state’s wine industry, its annual harvest, and the communities that support it. Harvest season is one of the most important times of year in Napa Valley and across California’s winegrowing regions, when grapes are picked at optimal ripeness and winemaking begins in earnest.
California’s impact on wine in the United States is significant:
California wine by the numbers:
- California produces over 80% of the wine made in the United States
- California provides more than half of the nation’s agricultural produce
- Napa Valley is one of the most internationally recognized wine regions in the world
These figures reflect not just scale, but decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and stewardship.
Sterling Vineyards and California Wine History
Sterling Vineyards was founded in 1964 by Peter Newton, an Oxford graduate and successful businessman with a vision for producing high-quality, approachable wines in Napa Valley. At the time, Sterling was one of only 27 bonded wineries in the region.
In 1969, Sterling Vineyards made California wine history by bottling the first vintage-dated Merlot in the state. This milestone helped elevate Merlot from a blending grape to a celebrated varietal and contributed to Napa Valley’s rise as a premier winemaking appellation.
Today, Sterling continues to honor that pioneering spirit through wines that reflect both place and progress.
Harvest Season at Sterling Vineyards
Harvest is a defining moment in the winemaking year. It is when vineyard decisions made months earlier come to fruition and when the character of each vintage begins to take shape.
For Sterling Vineyards, harvest season brings together long-standing vineyard relationships, modern winemaking techniques, and a commitment to crafting wines that are expressive, balanced, and rooted in Napa Valley.
California Wine Month is an opportunity to slow down, pour a glass, and appreciate the work behind every bottle.
Share Sterling This California Wine Month
California Wine Month is best celebrated with good wine and good company. Whether you are gathering with friends, hosting a family meal, or simply enjoying a quiet evening, Sterling Vineyards wines bring Napa Valley character to every occasion.
Explore and share Sterling’s handcrafted wines as a way to toast harvest season and California’s vibrant wine community.
FAQs
What is California Wine Month?
California Wine Month is celebrated each September to recognize the state’s wine industry and the annual harvest season.
Why is September important for California wine?
September aligns with harvest season, when grapes are picked across Napa Valley and other California wine regions.
Why is Sterling Vineyards significant in California wine history?
Sterling Vineyards was founded in 1964 and bottled California’s first vintage-dated Merlot in 1969.
Where is Sterling Vineyards located?
Sterling Vineyards is located in Napa Valley, California.
