Harvest report: One of the best Septembers in a decade

Leelanau wineries are buzzing with excitement over the 2024 harvest season, thanks to a warm and sunny September that has set the stage for an exceptional vintage, particularly for reds.

Bel Lago in Cedar is especially excited about this year’s vintage. The heat in September has pushed grape development, enhancing both flavor and chemistry.

“They are coming in with great flavor and nice chemistry,” said Bel Lago owner Charlie Edson. “We pick fruit more on flavor and seed development than on chemistry and brix because of all the heat. We have pretty high sugar levels.”