Hot Days + Deep Roots + Bold Wines

Where the sun is relentless, the vines are thriving, and the promise of harvest begins to take shape with every degree and drop of water — that’s Red Mountain in July!

At Page Cellars, we source our boldest and most expressive reds from Tinte Vineyards, perched right on the southwestern face of Red Mountain AVA. If you’ve ever sipped our Lick My Lips Merlot or the always-happily awaited Rival, you’ve already experienced the power of this place in your glass.

But what exactly is happening in the vineyard this time of year?

Let’s take a walk through the rows and explore what July 2025 looks like for Red Mountain grapes—and why you might want to see it for yourself this harvest.

🍃 The Canopy: Nature’s Solar Panel

In July, the canopy—the leafy green growth of the vine—is working overtime. Think of it as a solar panel: capturing sunlight and converting it into energy that fuels berry development.

This year, the canopies in Tinte Vineyards are lush, balanced, and expertly managed, thanks to careful shoot positioning and leaf thinning. That management helps funnel energy to the developing grapes while protecting clusters from excessive sun exposure in Red Mountain’s intense heat.

🌡️ Diurnal Shift: Hot Days, Cool Nights

Red Mountain is famous for its dramatic diurnal shift—a wide difference between day and night temperatures.

Why it matters:

• Daytime heat boosts sugar development in the grapes.

• Cool nights slow things down, helping retain acidity.

This natural push and pull is one of the secrets to Red Mountain’s structured, age-worthy reds. Even in a warm year like 2025, the shift remains significant—often a 40°F difference between peak and low temps.

☀️ Growing Degree Days & Heat Units: 2025 So Far

Red Mountain is known for accumulating high Growing Degree Days (GDD)—a measure of seasonal heat accumulation used to predict ripening stages.

In 2025, we’re trending slightly above average, with consistent sun, low rainfall, and classic eastern Washington heat. Grape clusters are advancing on track, and veraison (when grapes begin to soften and change color) is expected to begin early August.

🧠 Quick Vocab

Canopy: The leafy growth of the vine (leaves, shoots, tendrils).

Diurnal Shift: The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures.

GDD (Growing Degree Days): A measure of heat accumulation used in viticulture to assess crop development.

Veraison: The onset of ripening—grapes soften and start to color.

🗻 Why “Red Mountain”?

Spoiler alert: It’s not named for wine—at least not directly.

The “red” in Red Mountain refers to the iron-rich soil that gives the land its distinctive reddish hue, especially at sunrise and sunset. This volcanic loess is well-drained and nutrient-poor—just the way grapevines like it. The result? Smaller berries, thicker skins, and intensely concentrated flavors.

Tinte Vineyards takes full advantage of this micro-terroir, using precision irrigation and canopy control to help their grapes reach peak balance and character.

🥾 Come See for Yourself This September

If you’re reading this and thinking, I’d love to be out there, we’ve got good news:

🍇 We’re planning a special Red Mountain Harvest Tour this September!

Join the Page Cellars team for a hands-on, boots-in-the-dirt experience. You’ll walk the vineyard, see (and taste) the 2025 harvest in progress, meet our grower partners at Tinte, and share a glass or two with us where it all begins.

🎟️ Want to Join Us?

We’re gauging interest now and building a short waitlist.
Click below to let us know you’re interested—we’ll contact you with first access when tickets open.

👉 Yes, I want to tour Red Mountain!

Final Sip

Red Mountain in July is beautiful—hot, wild, buzzing with life. But September is unforgettable.
We’d love to take you there.

Stay tuned—and stay curious.

–The Page Cellars Team