Vinpro Technical Harvest Report 2026

Climatic and viticultural trends

Daytime temperatures were also higher from the outset and remained elevated throughout the growing season; however, the moderating influence of the coast ensured that this trend was less pronounced than in more continental regions. The reproductive cycle from flowering to fruit set progressed smoothly, with a limited occurrence of extreme weather events. Dry conditions and resulting low disease pressure maintained healthy canopies, and excessive vegetative vigour was not a concern. Canopies were well balanced, and minimal additional canopy management interventions were required. As in other regions, the elevated early-season temperatures subsided during January and February, resulting in more temperate conditions. Monthly maximum temperatures were lower, while minimum temperatures were higher. Relative humidity was also approximately 10% higher than normal, resulting in reduced water use. This also assisted vineyards in maintaining function under the dry conditions. The extremely dry conditions were interrupted by regular, light rainfall in February and March (particularly in Constantia), and although precipitation totals were low, disease pressure did increase. In the Durbanville ward, rainfall was virtually absent throughout the season, contributing to a very healthy grape crop.

Temperate conditions during the 2025 season have been well documented, and the excellent growth and ripening conditions of

2025 undoubtedly laid the foundation for the progression of the 2026 season. The 2026 season commenced with a favourable post-harvest period, during which reserve accumulation could occur optimally, and leaves were retained well into late autumn. From May to August, ideal late autumn and winter conditions prevailed, with adequate chilling accumulation, few warm days and favourable average rainfall, which replenished dams and soil profiles to capacity. Vineyards, therefore, benefited from optimal winter dormancy conditions. With the onset of spring in September, and for the remainder of the growing and ripening season through to February, the Cape Town region shifted from its typical pattern of regular summer rainfall to exceptionally dry conditions. This region places particular emphasis on dryland cultivation and supplementary irrigation, and the value of vines established on well-buffered soils was evident this year. Owing to a relatively short but effective winter, soils did not remain waterlogged for extended periods, resulting in earlier root activity and rapid canopy development.

Monthly rainfall (2025 vs 2026)

100 120 140 160

0 20 40 60 80

Total monthly rainfall (mm)

Jan Feb Mar

Apr

May Jun Jul

Aug Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Rainfall 2025 (mm)

Rainfall 2026 (mm)

Mean rainfall 2016 – 2025 (mm)

Figure KAA 1. Monthly rainfall (January to December) for 2025 and 2026, as measured at the Diemersdal weather station, Durbanville.

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