Vinpro Technical Harvest Report 2025

Climatic and viticultural trends

spring and summer months was the absence of extreme heat events. There were fewer days with maximum temperatures exceeding 33 °C compared to the previous season, and the average temperature during January was 1–1.5 °C lower than the long-term average. The onset of flowering, véraison, and harvest occurred about two weeks later than in the previous season but remained consistent with long-term trends. General remarks initial growth and yellowed leaves were noted in certain areas, particularly in the Elgin district, where low soil temperatures had an impact. However, the vines quickly recovered after the first warm weather in October and strong, luxurious growth was observed (Photo CSC 1) . Water supplies were sufficient to meet the vineyards’ needs throughout the season. The absence of diseases and pests and the lack of strong winds, heat events, hail, and rain damage contributed to favourable growing and ripening conditions throughout the season. Signs of the record rainfall from the past two seasons were still evident, with symptoms of dead arm disease observed across the region. Slow

The Cape South Coast region received adequate rainfall during the 2024 post-harvest period. As in other regions, true winter conditions were

delayed, with warmer weather extending into June, followed by above-average rainfall in July. In the Elgin district, approximately 400 mm of rain was recorded in July alone (Figure CSC 1) . Higher autumn and early winter temperatures delayed the accumulation of cold units, particularly in the Walker Bay area. The target number of cold units was reached approximately 14 days later than in the previous season. The Elgin district also experienced more windy days during the flowering period compared to the previous year. In contrast to the record rainfall and cold conditions that prevailed throughout the season prior, September 2024 saw normal rainfall levels and average temperatures. As a result, the soil was not as cold and wet at the start of the budding period. Rainfall throughout the growing season was consistent with long-term averages, although conditions became drier than usual as summer approached. February was exceptionally dry, which helped reduce disease pressure during the harvest. Another positive aspect of the

Monthly rainfall: May 2023 to Feb 2025 (Elgin)

100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

Rainfall (mm)

0 50

Jan Feb Mar

Apr

Mei

Jun Jul

Aug Sep Okt

Nov Des

2023 2024 2025

Figure CSC 1: Monthly rainfall figures from May 2023 to February 2025 for Elgin (Beaulieu).

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