Vinpro Technical Harvest Report 2025

Table WO 2: Year-on-year comparison of average temperatures in February (2024–2025), as measured at Aan de Doorns weather station.

Avg daily max temp (°C)

Avg daily min temp (°C)

Max temp measured (°C)

Min temp measured (°C)

Month

Avg temp (°C)

Feb-24 Feb-25

22,56 23,03

31,08 31,25

14,24 15,65

40,3

8,3

37,57

10,22

conditions in early February, including elevated nighttime temperatures (Table WO 2) , may have affected grape analyses and aromas for sensitive cultivars like Sauvignon Blanc Overall, the grapes exhibited good health, and the analyses were excellent. Although adequate irrigation water was available throughout the season, soil moisture levels were relatively low due to limited rainfall during the spring and summer. This created challenges in maintaining optimal groundwater replenishment through irrigation, particularly during the hot conditions in February. Production trends The 2025 harvest is projected to surpass the 2024 yield, particularly for Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, largely due to favourable berry set and the absence of frost. Productions of Chardonnay, Nouvelle, Pinot Gris, and Colombar (Photo WO 1) have shown significant recovery following their reduced yields in 2024, which were affected by frost damage. Similarly, Pinotage production has recovered notably after the exceptionally low 2024 harvest. Mid- and late-ripening red cultivars, such as Ruby Cabernet (Photo WO 2) , have generally performed better throughout the season compared to the previous year.

Photo WO 1: Fully set Colombar bunches in Worcester, a key factor in the district’s strong production for this season.

Grape and wine quality

The early-ripening white cultivars reached optimal sugar levels swiftly, with favourable titratable acidity and pH levels. Similarly, early red cultivars

such as Pinotage accumulated sugar quickly, despite higher-than-expected production levels. In contrast, the later-ripening white and

Photo WO 2: Even véraison and excellent production levels in a Ruby Cabernet block in the Worcester district.

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