The 2018 growing season was the first harvest for the new Petaluma Gap AVA, which totals 4,000 acres. This vintage was marked by abundant rains the preceding Winter which adequately replenished the soil. Spring was mild and unremarkable featuring timely bud break and flowering leading to small berries with excellent color and pronounced flavor. Summer culminated in a Labor Day weekend spent in final preparation for the first pick, which took place the first week of October 2018. Harvest in the cool and windy Petaluma Gap normally falls 10-14 days behind warmer AVAs.