Τhe most critical moment of the year for vine growers and winemakers is undoubtedly the ripening and harvesting of the vineyards. Harvesting is the last stage of viticulture activity and involves picking the fruit from the tree. Determining the time of the harvester is very important for the quality of the grapes. In general, it takes place throughout September, but in very hot climates, such as that of Cyprus, the harvest begins in late August.

As the grapes ripen, they acquire colour and sweetness. The time of ripening and harvesting of grapes arrives when the berries acquire the desired colour and aroma, as well as the appropriate ratio of sugars and acids. Below, the team of Oenou Yi – Ktima Vassiliades explains what the signs that indicate the readiness of the grapes for the harvest are.

5 signs of vine ripening:

1. Fruit colour: By nature, red grape varieties gradually turn from green to red as they ripen. However, experienced winemakers know that it can take several weeks, depending on the weather and the variety of grapes, before true ripening, regardless of whether the colour has already changed.
2. Stems and grape seeds colour: When red varieties’ grapes are ready to be harvested, the stems and their seeds turn brown while the grapes of the white varieties turn golden.
3. Other fruit characteristics: Ripe grapes are juicier, as their sugars rise. Also, it is easier to be pulled off the cluster when ripened.
4. Seed texture: Taste a fruit and check if you can easily chew the seeds.
5. Grape taste: Ripe grapes are sweet, without a trace of sourness in the flesh or the seed. Also, experiences winemakers seek for the emergence of each variety’s unique taste.

Keep in mind:

What other concerns do winemakers have when they determine when the time is right for the harvest?

  • Placement of the variety in the vineyard: Some parts of the vineyard ripen faster than others, depending on their exposure to the sun, altitude, exposure to wind, etc.
  • Grape varieties: Some varieties, especially white ones, ripen faster than others.
  • Wine style: If winemakers are looking for a wine with exceptional acidity, as happens in some Rosés, they often “play” with the pH of the fruit by choosing to harvest the grapes of each variety a little earlier or later.
  • Employee availability: The number and rate of harvesters undoubtedly determine the harvest of grapes.
  • Weather: Mother Nature can “force” a winemaker to harvest earlier if extreme weather conditions threaten to destroy the crop. Also, if temperatures continue to rise and the grapes begin to dry out like raisins, the harvest will inevitably be accelerated.

Cheers to fine wine!

Harvest usually starts in August for lighter wines and runs through September for bolder grapes like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, a perfect harvest takes a full year of work. The experts are confident that this year’s harvest will be splendid, lush and of wonderful quality! At Oenou Yi – Ktima Vassiliades, we are confident that our relentless efforts will be seen and tasted in your glasses again this year!