Contrary to what many people think, California has seasons as distinct as those in other regions of the country. It’s Autumn now. Shorter days have robbed the leaves of chlorophyll, and vineyards and trees glow with vibrant color: mahogany, red, yellow, and chartreuse. Here in wine country, it is also the season of “the Crush.” While keeping a close eye on the weather, winemakers use chemistry, intuition, and experience to determine the optimal time to harvest the grapes. Then workers quickly...