A Vintner's View: The Landscape of June

 

As June unfolds across the rugged, elevated hills of our beloved Somerston Estate, the landscape awakens in a harmony of light, growth, and anticipation. Here, in the heart of Napa Valley’s eastern Vaca Mountain Range, nature leads the way—and we follow closely, with an eye trained on every vine, every breeze, and every subtle shift in the terrain.

June is a pivotal month in the vineyard. The vibrant energy of spring transitions into the steady rhythm of early summer, and our viticultural team remains deeply connected to the land as we prepare for the growing season’s most important moments.

 

The Vineyard in Motion

By June, bud break has given way to flowering, and across our 1,682-acre Estate, over 200 acres of organically farmed vines are in various stages of fruit set. This delicate window is critical: each cluster forming on the vine represents a potential bottle of wine, and the conditions during this phase can shape the vintage ahead.

We farm at elevations ranging from 850 to 1,650 feet, which means timing can vary block by block, variety by variety. From low-lying Cabernet Franc in the valley’s cradle to the steeply terraced Cabernet Sauvignon on sun-drenched ridgelines, our team visits the rows daily—monitoring canopy development, soil moisture, and the early signs of vintage character.

What we’ve seen this June is promising. A temperate start to the month has given way to warm, dry conditions—ideal for consistent fruit set and balanced growth. Our cover crops have been mowed and incorporated into the soil, enriching our vineyard floor with nutrients and helping retain essential moisture as summer heat begins to build.

 

Farming With Intention

Somerston Estate is more than a vineyard—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem. Sustainability isn't a checkbox—it’s a principle that guides our every decision.

Throughout June, our team focuses on strategic canopy management—opening the vine’s foliage just enough to allow for dappled sunlight and airflow, reducing mildew pressure while protecting tender clusters from excessive heat. We avoid over-manipulation, allowing the vines to adapt naturally to their environment. This also prevents any potential damage to the vines as the tractors move between the rows during regular maintenance responsibilities. 

This month also marks the continuation of our sustainable farming practices. Minimal inputs, soil health stewardship, and wildlife integration all play a part. From hawks circling above to pollinators among the native plants, the vitality of this place is reflected in the wines it produces.

 

A Winemaker’s Perspective

As winemakers, June is a time of patience and precision. We’re not yet tasting fruit, but we are imagining it—tracking how this season might express itself in texture, structure, and aromatics months down the road.

Each vintage begins long before harvest. This time of year is about setting the stage: ensuring balanced canopies, monitoring vine nutrition, soil health, and preparing for what nature will deliver. We pay close attention to the small decisions—when to drip irrigate (or not), how to train young shoots, and which blocks might need additional support during bloom. It’s a quiet diligence that defines our philosophy.

From our perspective, the 2025 vintage is shaping up with poise and potential. There’s an elegance already forming in the vineyard—an equilibrium between vine and terrain that’s unique to this growing season.

The Beauty of the Estate

Beyond the vineyard rows, June brings an almost cinematic quality to the Estate. Native oaks cast long shadows in the golden evening light, and the breeze carries the scent of wild herbs and warm earth. It’s this landscape—untamed yet intentional—that shapes the story of Somerston.

Guests who visit this time of year often remark on the sense of stillness and scale. With panoramic views and winding trails through vineyard blocks, the experience of Somerston in June is immersive—an invitation to slow down and savor the rhythm of the land.

 

Looking Ahead

When June winds down and summer officially takes hold, our focus will turn toward veraison—the moment when grapes begin to change color and ripen. But for now, we remain rooted in the present, attuned to every nuance of this growing season.

From soil to sky, vine to glass, every aspect of Somerston Estate reflects our belief in thoughtful stewardship and terroir-expressive winemaking. June reminds us that greatness in the vineyard begins long before harvest, with a deep respect for the land and a commitment to the craft.

We invite you to stay connected as the 2025 vintage unfolds—one vine, one block, one beautiful view at a time.

 

Experience Somerston Estate
Plan your visit this summer and immerse yourself in the landscape of high-elevation Napa Valley. Taste our estate-grown wines, explore the vineyard, and discover a deeper connection to the land that inspires everything we do.