The Unique Harvest Strategy Behind Leelanau’s Cool-Climate Wines
As we head into the 2025 harvest season here at Blustone Vineyards, there’s a particular buzz in the air—and it’s not just the hum of tractors in the vineyard. This is the time of year when cool-climate wines on the Leelanau Peninsula take center stage. Our region’s distinctive growing conditions shape not only the character of our wines but also every decision we make in the weeks leading up to harvest.
Cool-Climate vs. Warm-Climate Wines: What’s the Difference?
Simply put, the climate in which grapes are grown has a profound impact on the flavor, structure, and style of the wines they produce.
- Warm-climate wine regions—think Napa Valley, Tuscany, or Australia’s Barossa Valley—tend to have long, hot summers and mild autumns. Grapes ripen fully and consistently, leading to wines that are bold, fruit-forward, and higher in alcohol, often with softer acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel thrive in these conditions.
- Cool-climate regions like the Leelanau Peninsula have shorter growing seasons, cooler nights, and moderate daytime temperatures. Grapes ripen more slowly, developing nuance, bright acidity, and complex aromatics. Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wine grapes all excel in these conditions.
This difference in ripening speed is key: cool nights help grapes retain acidity, while gradual ripening builds layers of flavor without excessive sugar accumulation. The result? Wines that are fresh, elegant, and age-worthy.
Leelanau’s Unique Advantage
Our vineyards sit on the 45th parallel—the same latitude as Bordeaux and Burgundy—but surrounded by the Great Lakes, which act like a natural air conditioner. Lake Michigan moderates extreme temperature swings, protecting vines from early frost and providing a long, slow ripening season.
This maritime influence is what allows Blustone Vineyards to produce world-class cool-climate wines that are vibrant, balanced, and unmistakably expressive of place. It’s also what makes harvest here a carefully choreographed dance with the weather.
2025 Harvest: Timing is Everything
Heading into this year’s harvest, we’re seeing a warm early fall, with nighttime temperatures holding steady above 55°F. Warm nights accelerate acid burn-off, meaning our picking decisions need to be precise and fast to maintain the hallmark brightness of our wines.
We’ve already begun leaf pulling across the vineyard to maximize sun exposure and improve airflow around the fruit. This is especially critical in a wet year like 2025, where frequent rains can increase the risk of disease and waterlogging. By improving airflow, we help the fruit dry more quickly and concentrate flavors rather than dilute them.
For many of our varieties—like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and sparkling base—we aim to harvest as soon as flavors peak but before sugar levels climb too high. For reds like Merlot and some Rieslings, we’ll let the fruit hang a little longer to develop additional ripeness and character, weather permitting.
Harvest Strategy in a Cool-Climate Region
Unlike warmer regions where grapes ripen uniformly and harvest can be scheduled weeks in advance, in Leelanau our picking schedule is dynamic and fast-moving. Once ideal ripeness is reached, crews may work around the clock to bring in fruit before a change in weather.
This nimble approach allows Blustone Vineyards to capture the freshness and precision that define our wines. It’s part science, part instinct, and part deep respect for what our climate gives us each year.
Why It Matters in the Glass
When you sip one of our cool-climate wines—whether it’s a crisp Pinot Grigio, a layered Chardonnay, or a structured Merlot—you’re tasting the result of all these harvest decisions. Bright acidity, lower alcohol, and complex aromatics aren’t just winemaking choices; they’re a direct reflection of our northern terroir.
As 2025’s harvest begins, we’re excited to see how this season’s conditions will shape the vintage. Each year brings new challenges and new opportunities—but one thing remains constant: our commitment at Blustone Vineyards to crafting wines that are Uniquely Made. Undeniably Leelanau.
Join us at the vineyard this October to witness harvest firsthand! From a fireside wine tasting to our Friday “Harvest Pizza Nights,” we’d love to reserve you a table by clicking here.
