Cooling weather in early October, followed by intermittent rains brought on a shorter, more compressed than usual grape harvest in the Columbia Valley. Grape picking commenced in early September and much of the harvesting occurred during mid to late September. This week (October 28 - November 1) most growers have completed harvesting. 

Quality is expected to be excellent as many growers and winemakers say higher acid and phenol levels will contribute producing wines of complex aromas and flavors. 

For pictures of grape harvesting by roving photographer Richard Duval, go to www.greatnorthwestwine.com.