It’s harvest season at Zion Vineyards, and the excitement is palpable as grapes are picked and crushed into the wines that define this Southern Utah estate. Beginning in mid-August with the white varietals and moving into September with reds, the vineyard celebrates multiple harvests, each timed precisely to the ripeness of its grapes.
Harvest in Action
To determine readiness, the winemaking team uses a refractometer to measure the sugar concentration, or Brix level. Once the grapes hit the ideal stage, winemaker Robert Cec gives the green light. Volunteers, recruited through the tasting room’s sign-up list, are then invited to join. The first 12 RSVPs for each harvest get the chance to participate.
Volunteers gather at the tasting room at 7 AM, begin picking by 7:30, and wrap up by 11:30 before sharing lunch. They can watch as freshly picked grapes are crushed, then head home with a gift to remember the day.
A Legacy of Wine
Zion Vineyards produces wines with both character and depth, reflecting the passion of its team. Owner and vintner Michael Jackson sees the vineyard as his life’s legacy, while self-taught winemaker Robert Cec has developed a reputation for award-winning wines that balance tradition with innovation.
Signature wines include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon, known for bold flavors of currants and black cherry with undertones of tobacco, vanilla, and clove.
- Miscela Rossa, a Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo. Fruity yet earthy, with plum, blueberry, and a chocolate finish.
- Tempranillo Reserve, a Spanish varietal aged in French oak. Full-bodied, dry, and layered with cherry, fig, and spice.
Beyond reds, the vineyard’s white wines showcase medium to high acidity with balanced citrus and fruit notes, making them a refreshing complement to the lineup.
Visit the Vineyard
The Zion Vineyards tasting room is open seven days a week, noon to 6 PM. Guests can sip flights of handcrafted wines, tour the vineyard grounds, and discover the unique expression of Southern Utah’s terroir.
Located at 5 Hidden Valley Rd. in Leeds, just off I-15 and 12 miles north of St. George, Zion Vineyards is easy to find by searching “Zion Vineyards” on Google Maps.
From grape to glass, Zion Vineyards celebrates harvest as both an agricultural tradition and a community experience. Stop by, volunteer, or raise a glass at the tasting room to taste the fruits of Southern Utah wine country.
