Vinpro Technical Harvest Report 2025

Climatic and viticultural trends

Although dry conditions persisted after the 2024 harvest, producers had sufficient water to adequately irrigate the vineyards until the first winter rains

arrived. The leaves remained on the vines for an extended period, which proved beneficial for the production and accumulation of carbohydrate reserves. Initial winter conditions were warmer than usual, with temperatures reaching 30 °C on some days in June. July and August brought much needed showers and cooler conditions. Heavy rainfall was recorded, leading to significant damage to roads and newly prepared fields. Total winter rainfall exceeded the long-term average, with July recording exceptionally high figures. By the end of winter, the accumulation of cold units surpassed that of the previous season, providing optimal conditions for complete and even budding. With the onset of spring, daytime temperatures rose sharply, but a subsequent drop in temperatures occurred as the last cold fronts passed through. Nighttime temperatures remained relatively low, with minimums around 10 °C. Due to the prolonged cold conditions from winter into early spring, the vines budded approximately 10–14 days later than usual. Some Shiraz and Chardonnay vines exhibited uneven bud burst. Both farm dams and large storage dams were at full capacity at the start of the growing season, and the soil was saturated with water, which made weed control challenging, particularly in low-lying areas. During flowering and fruit set, strong winds moved through the vineyards, causing looser bunches in some blocks. Vegetative growth was strong due to the good soil water content and shoots had to be tipped regularly. This growing season, in order to reduce disease pressure, producers attempted to manage canopies to be more open/free hanging by tucking in fewer shoots. If the vines were tipped early enough, improved side shoot development was obtained, which protected the bunches against sunburn later in the season (Photo PA 1) . Leaves were broken after fruit set to limit shading in the bunch zone. Temperatures were moderate during the

Photo PA 1: Due to sufficient leaf cover, Roussanne displayed golden colour development and the absence of sunburn.

growing season, and the first intense heat peak was recorded on 25 December. Véraison occurred later than usual, but the cooler nights ensured even ripening, and colour development was excellent. During the harvest period, both night and day temperatures were slightly lower than the long-term averages. General remarks harvest conditions hindered the development of optimal cover crops, while the high rainfall in July and August contributed to weed growth. Although downy mildew and powdery mildew occurred sporadically, producers who implemented effective early disease control did not encounter significant issues. During the heat peak over Christmas, some bunches suffered sunburn damage, as the vines were not yet acclimatised to such high temperatures and the exposed grapes had not fully matured, making them more susceptible to sunburn. Due to the strong growth and frequent tipping actions, many secondary bunches formed on side shoots. This required additional crop control, and the secondary bunches, as well as excessively delayed primary bunches, had to Weed control posed a significant challenge, particularly with tall fleabane and lovegrass, which were difficult to manage. The dry post

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