What Happens At Harvest Time In Wine

Harvest time in the vineyard, also known as vintage, is one of the most exciting and critical times of the year for winemakers. For those just getting started in wine, understanding what happens during the grape harvest can deepen appreciation of the craft behind the vino you enjoy!

When Is Harvest Time?

Harvest time usually occurs in late summer to early autumn, but the exact timing depends on the grape variety, climate, and region. Winemakers carefully monitor the grapes to determine the perfect moment for picking. The goal is to harvest grapes at their peak ripeness, when sugar, acid, and tannin levels are balanced to create the best potential for wine.

Determining the right time to harvest is both an art and a science. Winemakers measure the sugar levels in the grapes (called Brix), taste the fruit for flavour and acidity, and observe the fruit’s colour and texture. This delicate balance affects the style and quality of the wine. Harvesting too early or too late can significantly impact the taste.

For clarity, it is important to note that in the Northern Hemisphere, harvesting, in general, occurs between September and November and the Southern Hemisphere between March and May, reflecting the reversed seasons across the globe

Harvesting: Manual vs. Mechanical

Grapes can be picked by hand or machine.

Hand harvesting is a traditional method that allows pickers to select only the best bunches, avoiding damaged or unripe fruit. This method is gentle and helps maintain grape quality but is labour-intensive.

Mechanical harvesting uses specialized machines that shake the grapevines to collect fruit quickly and efficiently, and are often used for large vineyards. It is important to note that mechanical harvesting, however, cannot be used in vineyards with steep slopes because the gradient and terrain make it unsafe and impossible for harvesting machinery to operate effectively. Manual harvesting on these slopes allows for careful selection of the best fruit and reduces damage to vines, which contributes to a much cleaner and higher quality grape supply. However, the labour-intensive nature of hand-picking on steep terrain significantly increases production costs, which is reflected in the higher price of the wine produced from these vineyards

What Happens During the Harvest?

Once the grapes are picked, they are quickly transported to the winery to begin processing. The speed is important to prevent premature fermentation or spoilage. Grapes undergo crushing and destemming to separate the berries from stems, preparing them for fermentation.

The Importance of Harvest Conditions

Weather during harvest can be a big factor in grape quality. Warm, dry conditions are ideal for picking, while rain can dilute flavours or cause mold issues. Winemakers often plan harvest around favourable weather windows to protect their crop. For instance, have you ever read the write up on a wine and it noted that the grapes were picked at night? Well, finding the right harvest conditions has everything to do with this!

Many winemakers and vineyard managers choose to pick grapes at night primarily because cooler temperatures help preserve the freshness and quality of the fruit. When grapes are harvested at night or in the early morning, their lower temperature helps to maintain balanced sugar and acid levels, preventing premature fermentation and oxidation that can occur if the fruit gets too warm.

Cooler grapes also retain their delicate aromas and flavours better, resulting in improved wine complexity. Additionally, nighttime harvesting reduces the need for energy-intensive cooling processes at the winery, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Post-Harvest: From Vine to Wine

After harvesting, the journey from vine to wine begins. The freshly picked grapes start fermentation, where yeast converts sugars into alcohol. This step sets the foundation for the wine’s aroma, flavour, and structure. The quality of the harvest impacts every stage that follows, from fermentation to aging.

FAQs

What are Brix?

Brix is a measure of the sugar content in grape juice, expressed as a percentage by weight. For example, 20° Brix means the juice contains about 20% sugar. This measurement helps winemakers estimate the potential alcohol level in the finished wine, as sugars in the grapes convert to alcohol during fermentation. White grapes are often picked between 20 and 24° Brix, and red grapes between 22 and 26° Brix.

Why do winemakers sometimes harvest grapes at night?Why do winemakers sometimes harvest grapes at night?

Harvesting at night keeps grapes cool, preserving their freshness and preventing premature fermentation. Cooler temperatures also help retain delicate aromas and flavours, resulting in higher quality wine.

Does harvest time vary around the world?

Yes, the timing of harvest depends on the hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, grape harvest typically occurs from September to November, whereas in the Southern Hemisphere, it happens from March to May, reflecting the opposite seasons.

Do winemakers use a tool to measure ripeness?

Yes, winemakers use tools like refractometers to measure Brix (sugar levels) in the vineyard, and hydrometers in the winery during fermentation. These tools provide objective data on grape ripeness, helping winemakers decide the optimal time to harvest and monitor fermentation progress.