J Vineyards & Winery harvested its first grapes of the 2012 season early Tuesday morning. Pushed along by warm, sunny weather, the harvest is off to what many growers are describing as a normal year.

Vineyard workers picked approximately eighteen tons of Pinot Noir grapes from the winery's renowned "Nicole's Vineyard" around 3 a.m August 14. The grapes, destined for J's signature Cuvee 20 sparkling wine, were delivered in time for a "blessing of the grapes" ceremony conducted by Founder and President Judy Jordan.

"Following the last two years of challenging grape harvests, this year is shaping up to be very good," said John Erbe, J Viticulturist. "The yields look healthy, the weather has cooperated at every level, and we are off to an encouraging start of harvest."

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