Grape harvest 2008 is upon us. On Thursday, winemaker Mitch Cosentino of Cosentino Winery said crews picked 4 1/2 tons of sauvignon blanc grapes from one of the winery’s Pope Valley vineyards.

“It’s the earliest on record by two weeks,” he said, “and three weeks earlier than normal.”

Cosentino said he had walked through the vineyard a week ago to check on damage from this year’s late frost, as well as how July’s high heat affected the grapes. He said the young vines came through pretty well.

When he decided the grapes were ready to harvested, he had to scramble to get crushing equipment to the site. “The grapes showed great intensity,” he added.

Two other harvest events are planned in the coming days. On Monday, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers will hold a press conference at Calistoga’s Larkmead Vineyards; and on Tuesday, Mumm Napa employees will welcome the arrival of the first load of grapes for their sparkling wines.

During Monday’s press conference, growers Kelly Maher, Pete Richmond, Jon Ruel and Amy Warnock will give their views of five of the Napa Valley’s appellations, ranging from Calistoga to Atlas Peak and Wooden Valley.

They will discuss irrigation strategies for the drought that is threatening the state; possible climate change effects of extreme frost and heat; wildfire concerns and the 2008 vintage; and integrated pest management for combating the light brown apple moth and others.