The Story of a Vintage Begins in the Vineyard

As summer begins to draw to a close in Napa Valley, the vineyards at Sequoia Grove are buzzing with anticipation for Harvest 2025. To give you an inside look at how this year’s fruit is shaping up, we sat down with our Vineyard Manager, Jake Terrell, who shared his perspective on the growing season, the unique challenges of 2025, and what wine lovers can look forward to in the glass.

Before a single grape is picked or a barrel is filled, the story of a vintage is already unfolding. In 2025, that story did not open with bold drama, but with subtle tension. Cool mornings lingered in the fog, the skies moved slowly, and the vineyard seemed to hold its breath.

At Sequoia Grove Winery, we believe that extraordinary wines are not born from ease. They are shaped by seasons that test our patience and deepen our connection to the land. This year’s harvest has been a reflection of that truth, filled with resilience and reverence for nature’s rhythm.

2025 Napa Valley Weather: A Study in Cool, Steady Balance

Compared to the warmer, earlier Harvests of 2023 and 2024, the 2025 growing season in Napa Valley began with cooler-than-average temperatures and a delayed bud break. Rainfall was average for the year, but lower temperatures and slower degree day accumulation contributed to a longer, more measured start to the season.

According to Sequoia Grove Vineyard Manager Jake Terrell, “The growing season was cool… steady. Nothing dramatic, just a long, slow build.”

This climate allowed for extended hang time and slower grape development, two conditions that often yield wines with exceptional structure, balance, and age-worthiness.

However, the season was not without its challenges. Mildew pressure reached record highs throughout Napa Valley, requiring vigilant management. “Our mildew pressure this year is the highest I’ve ever seen,” Jake explains. “We’ve had to stay sharp. Hand leafing for airflow and relying on elemental sulfur instead of synthetic fungicides has been key.”

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Sustainability in Action: Farming for Longevity

Sustainability continues to guide every decision in the vineyard. Sequoia Grove is proud to be Napa Green Certified, which means farming with a “whole farm” approach. Jake emphasizes natural practices over chemical shortcuts, such as using elemental sulfur and hand leafing to improve airflow around grape clusters.

This year, the team has also installed shade netting across every block. As Jake puts it, “We know heat spikes will come. When they do, we’ll raise the netting to protect the fruit from sunburn and preserve the integrity of the grape skins.” These proactive steps ensure that the vineyards are resilient, even when nature throws in surprises.

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Between the Vines with Our Vineyard Manager, Jake Terrell

With decades of experience in Napa Valley, Jake Terrell brings a calm, grounded presence to every growing season. And this year? It’s been all about patience.

“This year taught us to wait. Patience was everything. The reward? Some of the most balanced fruit I’ve ever seen.”

For Jake, the best kind of vintage is a “boring” one, no dramatic weather events, just steady progress. “So far this year is super boring,” he laughed, “and I love it.” If the season continues on this path, he anticipates wines with excellent structure, vibrant color, and balanced tannins.

From valley floor Cabernet Sauvignon to high-elevation Chardonnay, 2025 is shaping up to be a vintage of patience, precision, and promise.

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Looking Ahead: The Promise of the 2025 Vintage

As we move through late summer, early fermentations are beginning to reveal what could be one of the most balanced and structured vintages in recent years. Smaller yields and longer hang time are pointing toward a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vintage that’s full of vibrancy, tannin, and aging potential.

Jake sums it up with quiet confidence:

“Well structured, good tannin and color… if everything keeps up it will be an amazing vintage.”

Every harvest tells a story, and at Sequoia Grove, that story begins with our vineyards and the dedicated team who tends them. As the 2025 fruit makes its way from vine to cellar, we invite you to visit our tasting room in Rutherford and experience the journey firsthand. Raise a glass with us to a vintage that celebrates sustainability, resilience, and the timeless beauty of Napa Valley.

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Stay Connected with Sequoia Grove

  • Follow @sequoiagrove on Instagram and Facebook for Harvest Updates
  • Book a tasting with us and explore what Sequoia Grove has to offer