Key Takeaways

Napa and Sonoma had their earliest grape harvest in decades.

Since its 1959 founding, Rodney Strong Vineyards has perfected its wine-growing and -making process.

Any business — wine-related or not — can learn from the winery’s intentional approach to harvest.

Napa Valley and Sonoma, two of California’s top-growing wine regions, recently underwent their earliest grape harvest in decades . In response to a record-breaking March heat wave and early bud break, grape-picking started in July. The process typically starts in early to mid-August.

Cabernet Sauvignon. Image Credit: Rodney Strong Vineyards.

Fortunately, wine-growers and -makers across the region turn to harvest playbooks that have withstood the test of time.

One of them is 67-year-old Rodney Strong Vineyards in Healdsburg , California.

Rodney Strong, who had a brief stint in the Navy before dancing on Broadway in New York City, retired from performing life and established his namesake winery in 1959.…