The grape harvest- when, why, and how?

November 3, 10:29 AMWine ExaminerLeslie Cramer

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The concept of harvest--whether it's grapes or other crops--is generally thought to be in autumn.  But grape growers usually start more often in the later part of autumn when it's time to prune the vines.  This--to the growers--is when the harvest actually begins.

First, or early decisions- 

• How many buds to leave on the vine?  (this will ultimately determine how many grapes will be harvested.)
• Whether or not to drop fruit during the growing season.
• Whether to water vines before the bloom (affects berry size and ultimately the size of the harvest.)
• Vineyard temperature (too hot/too cold will significantly affect when bud break occurs, signaling the beginning of veraison.)

Veraison usually occurs in later July through early August.  The visible changes in the bunches and grapes themselves happens now: in red wines, the grapes turn from green to purple and white grapes begin to soften.

In a long-bloom period, growers may drop fruit that still shows a large portion of green berries (grapes) When veraison is around 70%, this assures that when harvest occurs most of the fruit still displays the same degree of ripeness. 

Internal changes are present now, too.  Acidity in the grape becomes apparent now as the grape begins to ripen.  At the end of a grape's life, it is around 40% sugar, with literally no acid.  Striking the right balance between acidity and sugar is the key to good winemaking.

When grapes approach the end of veraison, the winemaker begins testing the grapes for the sugar/acid balance and their maturity; and the characteristics they are likely to impart to the wine.

Now the decision of how and when to pick the grapes comes up. Machines are generally the choice of large growers and vineyards, speeding up the picking process.  Night (cool) picking is said to be best, with grape transport the next morning.

Lots of new wines--and a new vintage--should be appearing on the shelves and on wine menus.  Keep an eye out for new and interesting bottles and labels that are making their presence.  A

And stay tuned for LOTS of Thanksgiving wines!