Vinpro Technical Harvest Report 2025

Climatic and viticultural trends

submerged. This provided producers with the opportunity to successfully control weeds and pests. By 28 September, additional rainfall had been recorded, with extremely low temperatures on the night of 1 October. Frost affected low-lying parts of Lutzville and Koekenaap, but only a few vineyards experienced damage. Jumping to another extreme, uncharacteristically high temperatures were recorded from 3–7 October, ranging between 35–41 °C. Rainfall occurred from 25–27 October, and the river overflowed its banks once again. Temperatures throughout the season remained moderate, with average maximum temperatures from December to March significantly lower than those of the 2024 season (Figure OL 1) . The dew point was significantly higher this year compared to the previous season, resulting in many mornings when vineyards remained wet for extended periods. Blocks harvested at night, in particular, showed lower sugar levels than expected, which necessitated adjustments to the harvest schedule (Figure OL 2) .

Following the post-harvest period, the onset of the Olifants River region’s rainy season was delayed, which allowed the vineyards to accumulate

sufficient reserves. After the first rainfall in early June, the vines began shedding their leaves, and the vineyards entered winter dormancy. The region experienced short warm spells before cold weather began in early July. By mid-July, the Olifants River had overflowed its banks for the first time, and the river had repeatedly flooded throughout the season, with some vineyards submerged for up to two months. Bud burst occurred later this year than in the previous season due to delayed cold weather conditions. As a result, the accumulation of cold units also occurred later, and pruning actions were postponed. Those who waited for adequate cold unit accumulation before pruning commenced were rewarded with good, even budding and improved harvest expectations. From 21 September, a strong easterly wind regularly blew, which helped to dry out the low-lying vineyards that had been

Daily maximum temperatures: September to March (Vredendal) Daily maximum temperatures: September to March (Vredendal)

45

40

35

30

25

Temperature (°C)

20

15

10

2023/24

2024/25

Figure OL 1: Year-on-year comparison of daily maximum temperatures from September to March (2024–2025).

VINPRO TECHNICAL HARVEST REPORT 2025 36