TEMECULA, CA — A brutally hot 2026 has accelerated the grape harvest in Temecula Valley Wine Country, forcing growers to navigate an unusually early season.
A March heat wave followed by persistent triple-digit temperatures in July and August confronted local growers and their vines, prompting many local and statewide vintners to harvest weeks ahead of schedule. Some varietals were picked as early as July.
In a typical year, harvest season in the Temecula Valley runs from late August through October, with September marking peak activity. However, winemakers across California say rising temperatures, persistent drought conditions, and longer heat waves are presenting increasingly frequent challenges for vineyards worldwide.
Despite the expedited 2026 harvest, several Temecula Valley wineries are proceeding with scheduled grape stomps and seasonal celebrations this month. Here are some of them:
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