Extreme Heat Expedites Temecula Valley Grape Harvest, But September Celebrations Still Scheduled

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:

• Wilson Creek Grape Stomp: Saturday, Sept. 12, 6–9:30 p.m., 35960 Rancho California Road
• Callaway Vineyard Sip, Stomp, & Play 2026: Sunday, Sept. 13, 6:30–9:30 p.m., 32720 Rancho California Road
• Great Taste of Europa Wine & Food Festival: Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., 41150 Via Europa
• Bella Vista Winery Second Annual Grape Stomp: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2–5 p.m., 41220 Calle Contento
• Peltzer 30/10 Anniversary Party and Peltzer Pumpkin Farm Opening Day: Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.–8 p.m., 39925 Calle Contento
• 25th Anniversary Celebration for South Coast Winery: Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., 34843 Rancho California Road
• Somerset Winery's Annual Grape Stomp: Saturday, Sept. 26, 1–5 p.m., 37338 De Portola Road
• Lorimar Harvest Festival: Sunday, Sept. 27, 3-7 p.m., 39990 Anza Road
• Ponte Winery 24th Annual Grape Stomp: Sunday, Sept. 27, 4–9 p.m., 35053 Rancho California Road