Cool, Calm, and Just a Little Wild: Anderson Valley Announces Completion of the 2025 Harvest

Anderson Valley, CA — October 17, 2025 –  The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) has officially concluded its 2025 harvest and published the “2025 Winemaker’s Vintage Harvest Report”, making the Mendocino County appellation among the first in California to bring in the last of its fruit this season. Despite a cool, slow-moving year that tested patience and timing, growers and winemakers report exceptional balance, vivid acidity, and striking site expression across varieties.

“Every great vintage begins long before the first buds break,” said Jeffrey Jindra, Winemaker Representative for the AVWA. “The 2025 season rewarded those who trusted the rhythm of this valley — cool mornings, long hang time, and steady ripening that allowed flavor and acid to evolve in harmony.”

After abundant winter rains and a mild, frost-free spring, the vines awoke vigorous yet balanced. A lingering marine layer defined summer, with cooler-than-average temperatures and persistent morning fog stretching ripening into late September and early October. Fruit came in clean, with gradual sugar development and full phenolic maturity — a profile many are calling a winemaker’s vintage.

Phil Baxter (baxterwine@gmail.com), winemaker and long-time Anderson Valley producer, described the season succinctly:

“The vintage kept us guessing early on — the cool spring and slow start made timing unpredictable. But once flavor and sugar development aligned, the fruit came in beautifully. It’s one of those years where patience truly paid off.”

Pinot Noir and Sparkling Wines Shine

Pinot Noir, the region’s signature grape, is showing hallmark balance and site precision.

“The cool, steady ripening season produced balanced wines with bright natural acidity and refined tannins,” noted Baxter. “Moderate color and excellent flavor development highlight the vintage’s precision and restraint.”

Sparkling base wines also benefited from the slow, even pace of 2025, as Jeffrey Jindra (jjindra@scharffenbergercellars.com), winemaker for Scharffenberger Cellars explains.

“The high acids and long hang time yielded fruit with natural tension and freshness ideal for méthode traditionnelle production. Early tastings suggest both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir lots show exceptional structure and energy.”  

A Vintage for the Record Books

The 2025 harvest marks the third consecutive year of above-average rainfall and the valley’s latest overall pick in more than a decade. Many producers compare it to the classic 2013 vintage for its purity and longevity — and to a more composed version of 2023, when acids stayed high and sugars developed slowly.

“The first big rain of the season hit the week of September 29, and then again the week of October 13,” said Norman Kobler (norman@philovineyard.solutions), grower and vineyard manager. “The rains posed a challenge, raising concerns about botrytis taking hold and forcing careful decisions on when to pick. It was a year that demanded vigilance and judgment.”

Despite the late-season moisture, fruit came in clean and balanced across most sites, aided by quick action in the vineyards and a steady hand in the cellar. Wineries anticipate smaller but highly expressive lots — wines that speak clearly of Anderson Valley’s cool-climate identity.

Across the region, crop loads ranged from average to slightly below, with no major weather disruptions during the extended harvest window. Wineries anticipate smaller but highly expressive lots — wines that speak clearly of Anderson Valley’s cool-climate identity.

Media inquiries and interview requests about the 2025 vintage and harvest can be sent to: Courtney DeGraff, Executive Director, courtney@avwines.com.

You can listen to the audio version of the 2025 Vintage Report by clicking here. Please make note of the International White Wine Festival, February 14-15, 2026, and the date change for the Pinot Noir Festival, June 13-15, 2026. Please let us know if you’d like to join us for either. 

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About the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association

The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) was founded in 1983 – the same year as the appellation. Made up of 24 vineyard, 68 winery and 58 associate members, the nonprofit supports the region’s growers and winemakers through marketing, education, and community programs — promoting Anderson Valley as one of California’s premier cool-climate wine regions. In addition to acting as a resource for its members, the association aims to better its community by donating funds yearly to local nonprofit organizations.