A Year in Review | The 2024 Harvest Wrap-Up

As the year winds down, we pause to reflect on the defining moments of 2024 at Seven Apart. Nestled between the extremes of Napa’s valley floor and the rugged heights of Atlas Peak, our vineyards endured a transformative year, producing fruit that promises to define the next generation of our mountain-grown wine.

From the nuanced challenges nature presents to the profound impact of innovation in winemaking, 2024 was a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection that underscores everything we do.

The 2024 Harvest: A Tale of Two Seasons

If 2023 was characterized by a slow and methodical ripening season, 2024 unfolded with quite the opposite tempo. An uncharacteristically warm spring and summer pushed the harvest schedule ahead by nearly a month, an uncommon occurrence for the mountain elevations of Stags Ridge. Despite the accelerated timeline, this year was devoid of the extreme heat spikes we experienced in 2022, so our fruit ripened consistently and evenly.

“There’s a delicate balance when dealing with warmer weather,” reflects Estate Manager Yannick Girardo. “It’s not just about the heat but its duration and intensity. In 2024, we avoided prolonged excessive temperatures, which preserved the integrity and vibrancy of the fruit.”

Unlike the typical staggered maturity between the valley floor and the heights of Stags Ridge, this season saw everything ripen in near synchrony. As Girardo noted, “Every year tells a different story, and this year’s story was one of consistency under unexpected conditions.”

Terroir in Action: The Distinctive Voices of the Vineyard

Stags Ridge, our crown jewel at 1,475 feet above the valley floor, continues to demonstrate the undeniable influence of terroir. Within its 8.5 planted acres lies a unique geological tapestry: the basalt-rich northern block produces bold, structured wines, while the shale-dominated southern section offers softer, more supple expressions.

These differences are more than just geological curiosities—they are the foundation of our single-vineyard wines. Seven Apart Basalt exudes power and earthiness, while Seven Apart Shale captures a more refined, velvety elegance. This season, the consistent warmth allowed both blocks to express themselves fully, offering a deeper testament to the vineyard’s potential.

Stewardship and Precision: Viticulture Meets Innovation

The essence of Seven Apart lies not just in the land but in the hands that nurture it. Over the past few years, we’ve invested in organic farming practices and cutting-edge technology to harmonize tradition with innovation. From managing frost threats with portable wind machines to leveraging automated fermentation tanks at our Base Camp winery, every tool is wielded with purpose: to preserve the purity of our fruit and the integrity of our wines.

The implementation of advanced optical sorter ensures only the most pristine grapes progress into winemaking, while automated systems allow the team to focus on refining the wine’s profile rather than labor-intensive basics. As Girardo puts it, “The beauty of innovation is that it liberates us to focus on what truly matters—the wine.”

Looking Ahead: Toward an Estate-Driven Future

As we reflect on 2024, our sights are set firmly on the horizon. By 2026, Seven Apart will be a fully estate-grown winery, a milestone years in the making. The replanting efforts at Base Camp, initiated after the 2021 harvest, will soon bear fruit, literally and figuratively, marking a new chapter for our winemaking journey.

Girardo captures this sentiment best: “From 2018 to 2026, the story of Seven Apart has been one of relentless growth, resilience, and patience. To build a world-class winery and vineyard from scratch in under a decade is remarkable. But to now step into an entirely estate-driven operation—that’s where the magic begins.”

The Legacy Continues

The 2024 vintage, born from both challenge and triumph, stands as a promise: a commitment to excellence, a celebration of terroir, and a continuation of the story that began atop Atlas Peak. As the wines mature in French oak barrels and await their debut, we invite you to join us in this journey of discovery.