Harvest is officially on the horizon. With approximately 80% of our grape clusters now in veraison, we’re entering one of the most exciting stages of the growing season. Over the coming weeks, our vineyard team will closely monitor sugar levels, acidity, flavor development, and weather conditions as we prepare for the moment the first grapes are ready to be picked.

Sam oversees the Rhinory vineyard, bringing decades of agricultural knowledge and a lifetime of Texas Hill Country experience to every growing season. As Chesney’s father, his roots in Fredericksburg ranching run deep, and that connection to the land shapes every decision made in the vineyard.

From pruning in the winter to walking the rows each morning during harvest season, Sam carefully monitors every stage of the vines’ development, ensuring our future estate wines begin with the healthiest fruit possible.

When you enjoy a Rhinory estate wine in the years ahead, you’ll be tasting the result of generations of stewardship, patience, and care.

Growing for the Future

These younger vines are becoming established and will contribute to future estate wines in the years ahead. 

• Cabernet Franc
• Mourvèdre
• Petite Verdot

With harvest getting closer, the vineyard team is out in the vines every day checking how the fruit is progressing. Here’s what they’re watching right now:

Color: Watching for even ripening across each vineyard block.

Sugar Levels (Brix): Sampling grapes to measure sugar accumulation.

Flavor: Tasting berries as they continue to mature.

Weather: Monitoring changing conditions that may influence harvest timing.

Vine Health: Ensuring the vines remain healthy through the final stages of the season.

One of Italy’s most celebrated grape varieties, Sangiovese is prized for its bright acidity, elegant structure, and flavors of ripe cherry, wild strawberry, and subtle spice. As our Sangiovese continues through veraison, each passing day brings us one step closer to harvest and the future of Rhinory estate wines.

Already a Rhino Reserve member?

If you received the 2026 Drawn to Protect Collector’s Set, you’re already enrolled and do not need to sign up again. Your future Rhino Reserve allocations, including our inaugural 2027 Estate Collection, are already reserved for you!

Interested in these future estate wines?

If you’re a Conservation Circle member but haven’t joined Rhino Reserve yet, now is the time. Rhino Reserve is a separate annual allocation and the only way to secure access to our exclusive 2027 Estate Collection.

Over the next two weeks, the vineyard team will continue monitoring ripening across each block, collecting fruit samples, and tracking sugar levels as harvest draws closer. If conditions continue to progress as expected, the first grape picks are just around the corner! Every walk through the vineyard brings us one step closer to our first estate harvest.