Timing Is Everything
Harvest at BACA is never a single moment, but a dynamic sequence shaped by the complexity of Zinfandel. Our vineyards span some of California’s most iconic regions — from Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley to Mendocino’s rugged hillsides. Each site carries its own fingerprint of soils, exposures, and old-vine heritage.
Because Zinfandel ripens unevenly, patience and precision are everything. Our winemaking team walks the vineyards daily, tasting berries and analyzing sugar and acidity levels until the clusters reveal both brightness and depth. The timing must be exact — capturing fruit at peak expression to balance Zinfandel’s naturally bold character with elegance and freshness.
From Vineyard to Winery
Under the direction of our vineyard team, grapes are hand-picked in the cool of the morning to preserve vibrancy. Once delivered to the winery, fruit is carefully sorted — every cluster evaluated to ensure only the finest makes it into fermentation.
This meticulous approach is essential with Zinfandel, a variety known for its uneven ripening. Sorting allows us to highlight perfectly mature berries, which bring concentrated flavors and balanced tannins to the final wine.
Fermentation & Aging
At BACA, every detail of the winemaking process must answer to one guiding principle: the wine should boldly, naturally, and honestly express the character of its vineyard.
Fermentation begins after a brief cold soak to enhance color and aroma. Native yeasts drive much of the process, encouraging complexity and depth, while gentle pump-overs preserve Zinfandel’s lush fruit profile without extracting harsh tannins. Within a few weeks, the young wines are ready for barrel.
Every BACA Zinfandel is aged in French oak barrels, with a thoughtful mix of new and neutral oak. Like spices in a chef’s kitchen, each barrel adds subtle nuance — a touch of vanilla, a hint of toast, or a whisper of smoke — while letting the fruit remain center stage. Over the course of 10–16 months, the wines evolve into the layered, polished Zinfandels that define our style.
The Energy of Harvest
From the first clusters in Mendocino to the final picks in Sonoma, harvest at BACA is pure energy. It’s a season of long days, vibrant fruit, and the hum of the winery alive with fermentation. Most importantly, it’s the foundation for every bottle of BACA — wines crafted with precision, creativity, and an unwavering dedication to producing Zinfandels with bold character and undeniable style.