Vinpro Technical Harvest Report 2025

Climatic and viticultural trends

In early cultivars, véraison occurred in line with the long-term average, whereas mid- and late-season cultivars ripened slightly earlier than usual. Nevertheless, the véraison period was extended, and considerable variability in ripeness was expected. The onset of the harvest season, particularly in Sauvignon Blanc vineyards, corresponded with the long-term average. Chenin Blanc and Pinotage ripened slightly later, with harvesting commencing approximately one week later than usual. Harvest dates for mid- and late season cultivars were generally consistent with long-term averages. General remarks in certain Chenin Blanc blocks, where some buds had already begun to swell. However, losses were significantly lower this season compared to the frost damage experienced in September 2023. Conditions were generally favourable, aside from a period of high fungal pressure at the end of October following heavy rains. Nonetheless, producers implemented strict preventive fungal control programmes, effectively limiting the risk of infection. Vineyard growth was moderate, resulting in fewer tipping and topping actions being required. Canopy actions were also carried out later in the season due to sluggish shoot growth. Initial ripening in the red cultivars was uneven, which complicated sampling efforts. The ripening period was preceded by a cooler period, followed by extremely high As in 2023, floods in July caused damage to vineyards, roads, and infrastructure. By the end of August, minor frost damage was recorded

Following the 2024 harvest, post harvest temperatures were mo derate, and rainfall remained low. Average temperatures in May and

June 2024 were higher than in 2023 (Table BK 1) . As a result, leaves remained on the vines for a longer period, allowing for the sufficient accumulation of carbohydrate reserves. Cold units began accumulating from mid-June and eventually reached sufficient levels. Heavy rainfall in July ensured that the region received adequate winter rainfall for the season. The vines emerged from dormancy without any issues, and as a result, the application of dormancy-breaking agents was not required. Although bud burst occurred later than in 2023, the timing remained close to the long term average. Budding was generally uniform, except for certain Shiraz blocks, where unevenness was observed. The flowering period corresponded with the typical seasonal window but was prolonged. The mid- to late season cultivars flowered slightly earlier than usual, although their flowering period was also extended. Overall, fruit set was satisfactory. This trend was generally consistent in Colombar and Chenin Blanc; however, it became apparent at this early stage that many Chenin Blanc vines were displaying fewer bunches per vine. Shiraz exhibited substantial variability in berry set, alongside noticeable differences in the number of bearing shoots per position. Vine growth was moderate, and the low rainfall during the spring and summer periods contributed to effective management of weeds and diseases.

Table BK 1: Year-on-year comparison of average temperatures in May and June (2023–2024), as measured at Bothasguns weather station.

Avg daily max temp (°C)

Avg daily min temp (°C)

Max temp measured (°C)

Min temp measured (°C)

Month

Avg temp (°C)

May-23 May-24 Jun-23 Jun-24

13,71 16,13 13,35 12,54

20,42 24,52 16,58 19,93

7,48 8,29

31,15 32,32 22,33 25,99

0,5

3,58 0,22

10,49

5,85

0,8

VINPRO TECHNICAL HARVEST REPORT 2025 15