Vinpro Technical Harvest Report 2026

Climatic and viticultural trends

significantly earlier, particularly in the Hemel en-Aarde and Agulhas wards. Persistently warm conditions maintained this accelerated pace, and véraison was recorded between two and three weeks earlier than normal. As was observed in the Boland, the onset of the new year brought moderate temperatures, with maximum temperatures in January and February closer to long-term averages. These dry conditions, however, began to shift in February. Weather conditions during the ripening period were favourable until rainfall was recorded on 9 February. Thereafter, thunderstorms and intense rainfall occurred across the Cape South Coast region, with precipitation ranging from approximately 35 mm in the far east to more than 200 mm in extreme cases, such as in Botrivier. Groundwater levels were adequately replenished during this period, which was beneficial for producers reliant on supplementary irrigation. The increased rainfall resulted in elevated disease pressure. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc vineyards were particularly affected by the wet conditions, as these coincided with their harvest windows. The elevated humidity in the days that followed further exacerbated this negative impact.

Warmer post-harvest conditions, coupled with adequate soil moisture, allowed vineyards to retain green leaves well into autumn. Rainfall in

April was below average, although adequate precipitation was recorded in May. Sufficient winter rainfall replenished soil profiles and storage dams to capacity. Maximum temperatures in June and July remained consistently below normal, with few warm days, thereby promoting the accumulation of chill units. Vineyards were therefore able to undergo an effective winter dormancy period without significant temperature fluctuations. By September, spring conditions prevailed, characterised by low rainfall and warm, sunny weather, which accelerated bud break and initial growth. However, drier conditions from as early as August limited soil moisture retention. Coupled with warmer than-normal temperatures from August to December and the absence of cold fronts, this resulted in optimal and uninterrupted canopy development, including strong root function and accelerated vegetative and fruit growth. Favourable conditions during flowering ensured optimal fruit set. Flowering dates were

Monthly rainfall (2025–2026) relative to the long-term average

120

100

80

60

40

Monthly rainfall (mm)

20

0

Jan Feb Mar

Apr

May Jun Jul

Aug Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Rainfall 2025 (mm)

Rainfall 2026 (mm)

Mean rainfall 2019 – 2025 (mm)

Figure KSK 1. Monthly rainfall for January to December (2025 vs. 2026), as measured at the Ertjiesvlei weather station, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

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