This is one of the most exciting times of year as a winemaker. As we anxiously await grapes to ripen and harvest to begin, our days are filled with vineyard visits to check on grape maturity. What exactly does that mean, grape maturity? For black grapes, at this point the grapes have gone through veraison, or changed color. Right now, the sugar content of the grapes is increasing, while the acidity level is decreasing. Meanwhile, flavors are developing as well as tannins. As