Newsletter
Harvest 2025: A Waiting Game and Weather Roller Coaster
August is always an interesting time at Husch. Bottling is wrapped up for the year, and all eyes turn to the vineyards as we wait patiently for the first grapes to ripen. Do we risk it and take a last minute summer vacation? Or play it safe and stay close, ready to act the moment the fruit ripens? If you know anything about Husch, you know we stick around, the anticipation of harvest is just too much to gamble.
The mild summer of 2025 allowed the grapes to mature slowly. Sure, there were a few heat spikes, but nothing alarming. We kicked off harvest early with our fresh from the field Gewurztraminer non-alcoholic juice. A quick turnaround to get it bottled proved to be a success, and it’s already released, ready for enjoyment.
Then it was off to the races, Sauvignon Blanc ripened in Ukiah while Pinot Noir demanded attention in the Anderson Valley. The first week brought the usual harvest chaos: walking the vineyard rows, sampling for sugar, pH, and acid; making pick calls; pressing whites; managing fermentations and very little sleep.
As we progressed into full harvest mode, suddenly, it all stopped. Rain moved into the forecast, and we scrambled to bring in anything that was ready. What’s usually our busiest week (September 7–14) turned into one of waiting and watching as steady rain blanketed the vineyards. Maybe that should have been our vacation week.
By mid-September things had dried out and we were back at it. Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Muscat Canelli, and more Pinot Noir rolled in. Of course, the weather kept us guessing, another patch of rain hit Mendocino County, slowing things down once more. Still, we managed to bring in the balance of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay before the skies opened again.
Patience paid off at our Garzini Ranch where the Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon held on until perfection. Just as they reached peak ripeness, the forecast teased us with yet another mild storm, the third of the season. Fortunately, we picked in the nick of time.
Meanwhile, the Gewurztraminer earmarked for our Late Harvest program was thriving under Mother Nature’s touch. Botrytis or “noble rot” developed beautifully, blessing us with those signature honeyed flavors. On October 23rd, the entire Husch crew came together for our traditional Company Pick filled with laughter, funky grapes, and sticky hands. Followed, of course, by a harvest lunch and retrospective Late Harvest Gewurztraminer tasting: 2008, 2014, 2023, 2024.
Another crush in the books and one we won’t soon forget. Cheers to vintage 2025!
Things Go Bump in the Night
Shortly before harvest began, half of our beloved grandfather oak tree, standing for more than a century, came crashing down onto our 1932 Plymouth. More shocking was to learn that the tree was continuing to crack. The remaining limbs had to be cut immediately to keep everyone out of danger. The tree and car had been side by side for decades, greeting visitors, offering shade, and quietly witnessing countless stories.
The oak was more than just a tree; it was a welcome sign, a friend, and a keeper of memories. The iconic Plymouth was sketched, photographed, and even climbed into for the boldest of photo ops. Together, they were part of Husch’s soul.
Now, when you drive into Husch, you’ll find open sky where they once stood. It hurts to say goodbye, but we’ll always cherish the shade, the laughter, and the stories they welcomed. We are grateful nobody was hurt, and are now enjoying the beautiful coastal mountain view.
Varietal Spotlight: Gewurztraminer is fun to say and even better to drink!
Gewurztraminer translates in German to spice grape: Gewürz “spicy” and Traminer refers to the ancient parent grape. We all agree that it’s not an easy wine to say. In the tasting room, we joke that it’s pronounced “Girls Are Meaner.” This golden-rust hued grape can turn slightly bitter if grown too warm, which is why many versions retain a touch of sweetness to balance it. However, Anderson Valley’s cool climate keeps the flavors pure, allowing Husch to ferment our Gewurztraminer dry without that bitterness. We focus on the gorgeous aromatics: rose petal, lychee, mandarin and a touch of spice. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving wine, which pairs beautifully with turkey, as well as favorite side-dishes. Our Tasting Room Manager, Metah, serves it with her Southern-style cornbread dressing and classic green bean casserole.
Husch’s Gewurztraminer portfolio includes:
2023 Dry Gewurztraminer 92 points/Best Buy - Wine Enthusiast
True to varietal character with aromas of rose, lychee and spice. $20/bottle
2023 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 100 Points/California State Fair
Dessert in a glass, intense flavors of jasmine, peach blossom and clove. $30/bottle, 375ml
2025 Non-Alcoholic Gewurztraminer Juice
Beautiful aromas of jasmine, mandarin, lychee with a touch of spice. $17/bottle
OH, WHAT A YEAR…
Cheers from the winemakers! Celebrating his 23rd vintage at Husch, Brad (pictured right) is joined by Peter who marked his 4th vintage with us this year. When the growing season kicked off in March, Brad and Peter were knee-deep in our latest project, mastering the new labeling machine and upgrading the bottling line. After all, you can make the best wine in the world, but if it’s not bottled just right, all that effort goes to waste. By the time harvest rolled around in September, we were fine-tuned, fired up, and ready to create the next vintage.
Winter Wine Favorites: A few of our top selections
2023 Special Reserve Chardonnay
This barrel selection Chardonnay crafted by our winemaking team uses the “best of the best” approach from grapes to barrel. Sur lie aging for 16 months in French oak, combined with 50% malolactic fermentation provides a rich, velvety texture. The final blend shows bright fruit and toasty oak. Enjoy aromas and flavors of lemon tart, ripe apple and vanilla layered with hints of butterscotch. A cozy winter sipper. $30/bottle
2022 Knoll Pinot Noir
This first planting of Pinot Noir in the Anderson Valley overlooks the Navarro River. The “Knoll” benefits from morning fog, warm days and cool nights. Hand-picked and sorted, the grapes are processed leaving 1/4 whole cluster. After punch downs, 2-3 times per day, the wine is aged in French oak barrels (42% new). This elegant vintage shows lifted pomegranate and floral aromas with cherry and rhubarb notes, a whisper of spice and a long finish. $46/bottle
2022 Grand OZ
To honor our grandfather, HA Oswald, Jr. we crafted five barrels of this flagship wine. The Grand OZ is pure Cabernet Sauvignon in both composition and expression, aged in new French oak barrels for 30 months. Aromas and flavors of black currant, ripe blueberries and graphite mingle with dried herbs and cedar which lead to a long, velvety finish. Enjoy with grilled ribeye steak, portobello mushrooms, aged cheddar cheese or chunks of dark chocolate. $65/bottle
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Husch Vineyards
Tasting Room: 4400 Hwy 128, Philo, CA 95466
Mail Address: PO Box 189, Talmage, CA 95481
Open Daily 10am to 5pm (closed 11/27/2025)
1-800-554-8724
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