Vinpro Technical Harvest Report 2025

Production trends The harvesting season started approximately two weeks later than usual, and the 2025 harvest was slightly larger than that of 2024. This increase can largely be attributed to the sufficient availability of irrigation water throughout the season, improved fruit set, more vigorous vine growth, and lower-than normal losses due to exceptionally healthy grapes. In the Montagu area, Chenin Blanc production improved, while yields in the Ladismith area reached double-digit increases. Following the previous year’s crop failure, Muscadel yields in the region

improved significantly. Ruby Cabernet set well and produced excellent yields. Colombar production in the Montagu area was mostly in line with the previous season, while yields in the Ladismith area returned to the long-term average. Grapes were generally healthy due to favourable weather conditions, although a limited occurrence of rot was observed late in the harvest following heavy rains in the Montagu area. Canopies remained healthy, even after harvest. The yields of other red cultivars, apart from Ruby Cabernet, were comparable to the long-term average. Given the favourable conditions throughout the season, grape quality was excellent. and required adjustment. Producers were optimistic about excellent wine quality, with white wines displaying a fruity flavour profile. Colour development in the red cultivars was also impressive. The 2025 season is expected to improve on 2024, thanks to the healthy grapes that could be pressed with minimal disruption. Overall, the wine quality promises to be excellent.

Grape and wine quality

The harvest season progressed smoothly, supported by dry, favou rable weather conditions and moderate temperatures (Figure KK

1) , with only minor interruptions. Although grape analyses were favourable across all cultivars, organic acids proved less stable than expected

Daily maximum temperatures: January & February 2025 (Montagu)

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Figure KK 1: Daily maximum temperatures in Montagu (Derdeheuwel) for January and February 2025, with a few days where maximum temperatures above 35 °C were recorded.

VINPRO TECHNICAL HARVEST REPORT 2025 29

Die grafiek dui die afwesigheid van hittegolwe aan. Daar was wel uitskieter warm dae maar nie 'n aaneenlopende tydperk van ekstr