Rain! After three consecutive dry weeks, the region finally received some rainfall—totaling 0.14 inches. While still below average for this point in winter, this is the first measurable precipitation since the end of harvest and marks a slight improvement in the overall moisture outlook. Daytime temperatures rose, with average daily highs up to 66.1°F from 63.2°F last week. Overnight lows increased as well, averaging 34.7°F. The weekly mean temperature climbed to 46.9°F, and soil temperatures nudged upward to 49.7°F. Winds remained moderate: average daily peak wind speed decreased to 8.4 mph, while the strongest gust of 13.1 mph was recorded on January 24 at 4 PM. Mean wind speed for the week was 3.9 mph. Evapotranspiration (ETo) was steady at 0.44 inches, matching the slightly warmer, drier days. In summary, this week brought a modest but welcome increase in rainfall after a prolonged dry spell. Temperatures trended warmer, and wind remained consistent. While the rain helps, soil moisture remains behind typical winter levels, and growers will continue to monitor precipitation totals closely as dormancy continues.

The Santa Lucia Highlands continue in deep dormancy, and the weather remains a key focus as the dry pattern persists into late January. For the third consecutive week, no measurable rainfall was recorded. This ongoing lack of winter precipitation is now a primary concern for soil moisture reserves as the dormant season progresses. Temperatures moderated slightly this week. Average daily highs dropped to 63.2°F, down from 66.7°F last week. Nighttime lows continued to fall, averaging 31.6°F, the lowest so far this winter, with the mean weekly temperature at 44.3°F. Soil temperatures also trended downward, now averaging 48.9°F. Afternoon wind patterns were unchanged, with average daily peak wind at 9.1 mph. The strongest gust of the week reached 13.7 mph on January 19 at 4 PM. Overall mean wind speed was 4.0 mph. Weekly evapotranspiration (ETo) fell slightly to 0.46 inches, in line with the cooler trend. The ongoing dry spell is now the dominant climate factor, with soil profiles continuing to dry out as the region moves further into winter without meaningful rainfall. No heat spikes have occurred, and cold nights are contributing to chill hour accumulation, which is positive for dormancy. However, winter precipitation is needed to support healthy vine growth in the coming season. For now, the Highlands remain on a typical mid-winter track—cool, dry, and dormant—with increasing attention on the need for rainfall as January continues.

The Santa Lucia Highlands remain in full dormancy, with field activity limited as the region continues to monitor weather and soil conditions. For the week ending January 12, 2025, temperatures showed a marked shift: average daily highs increased to 66.7°F (up 3°F from the previous week), while average lows dropped sharply to 34.5°F, a decrease of nearly 9°F. This led to a wider diurnal range and a notable drop in the weekly mean temperature to 48.6°F. Soil temperatures held steady at 51.0°F. No measurable rainfall was recorded for the second consecutive week, and the cumulative deficit in soil moisture is now becoming more pronounced as the dormant season continues. Evapotranspiration (ETo) increased to 0.53 inches for the week, reflecting the warmer, drier afternoons. Winds remained a regular feature, with average daily peak speeds rising to 9.1 mph and the highest gust reaching 11.3 mph on January 6 at 2 PM. Overall mean wind speed was similar to last week at 4.3 mph. The ongoing lack of rain and persistent warm, dry weather are now a key concern for growers as winter soil moisture reserves remain well below ideal. For now, there have been no significant heat spikes, but continued monitoring will be critical if dry conditions persist. The region continues to track as expected for mid-winter, but with increasing attention on rainfall totals and the need for winter storms to recharge the soils ahead of spring.

Our vines at La Reina de Santa Lucia are fully dormant after the 2024 harvest season, which finished on a typical schedule in September. Cluster counts were 10–20% below average, with fruit especially juicy and concentrated. The harvest season was warm overall, but without any extended or damaging heat events, and conditions stayed steady throughout. Post-harvest weather in late 2024 remained cooperative. No significant rain events were recorded during or immediately after harvest, reducing disease pressure and allowing for efficient fieldwork. As dormancy set in, rainfall continued to lag, with no measurable precipitation for the first week of January 2025 and only limited rainfall in the final weeks of 2024. This leaves soil moisture below ideal for early winter, a detail many growers will be tracking as the season progresses. Warm or dry spells during dormancy can lead to uneven bud break or stress, but recent temperatures have stayed seasonable, with weekly highs averaging 63.6°F and lows at 43.0°F. Peak wind speeds this week averaged 8.4 mph, with a maximum hourly gust of 10.0 mph. Average soil temperature was 51.3°F. Evapotranspiration demand was minimal, at just 0.28 inches for the week. In summary, the 2025 vintage enters winter after the 2024 harvest of solid fruit quality, but current dormant conditions remain drier than ideal. As the region waits for more winter storms to recharge soil profiles, attention will stay on rainfall totals and the potential for any midwinter heat spikes that could disrupt vine rest. For now, the vineyards remain on a typical winter track, with all eyes on the weather as the new year begins.