Basin growers anticipate steady grape harvest

MOSES LAKE – Grape growers around the state are preparing for the upcoming grape harvest as the vineyards enter their final stages of growth. 

“The timing is similar to last year, minimal pressures on the grapes, maybe a little bit more pest pressure this year, but nothing overwhelmingly significant,” said Sarah Higgins, Executive Director at the Washington Winegrowers Association. “There was lots of moisture in the ground this spring and some nicely dropping nighttime temperatures, which have resulted in large berries and large clusters.” 

Higgins said this year’s vintage is on track to be a very high-quality harvest. The growing season has been mild overall with no major disruptions such as cold or heat spells that couldn’t be overcome. 

There are a variety of factors that can play into what makes for a successful grape harvest, with most of them being uncontrollable from nature, such as the timing of temperatures and precipitation, said Higgins.  

The 2025 grape harvest will be determined by the end of the season. Higgins said from what has been seen is that this year’s crop is anticipated to be high quality but smaller than last year’s. 

The Washington State Wine Commission reported that 150,000 tons of wine grapes were harvested in 2024, which was a 5% decrease in fruit from the previous year, according to a press release. 

This decline in harvest is due to a contraction in the grape and wine industry as consumer trends have begun to shift. Higgins said these trends have contributed to low demand and oversupply. 

“That’s due to a number of factors, but I think that we’re starting to see things evening out, especially for some of our mid-sized and smaller operations in terms of what they are experiencing in some instances in the way of actual growth,” she said. “Lots of opportunities and growth, but also still seeing some changes in response to the market.” 

Higgins said local growers she has spoken to are very excited about the quality of the crop this year and for many all that is left is to sell and bottle the grapes which will be done over the next few months.