After months of summer sun, the grassy Sonoma countryside is baked a golden brown. Between the rolling fields and small farms are green vineyards. Not so long ago, the vines were heavy with fruit but like the fading fall sun, they are lighter now.

We are in harvest season. For many vineyards, the Pinot Noir harvest has come and gone already but there are other cultivars still waiting for that perfect sugar level. Last night we traveled the county roads and saw bright lights shining high in the vineyard block rows. Trucks lined the vineyard. It was time to pick through the night when it is cool. The harvest continues.