Vinpro Technical Harvest Report 2026

Climatic and viticultural trends

colder than normal, with good accumulation of chill units during June and July. Despite lower winter rainfall, irrigation dams remained reasonably full by the end of winter. Temperatures increased with the onset of spring, and bud break commenced at the usual time, displaying uniformity overall. Topsoil conditions were drier at the onset of bud break, which facilitated the application of preventative fungicides. Snail infestations were evident and required control measures to protect emerging shoots. Initial canopy growth was vigorous, likely due to favourable post-harvest conditions, as well as drier and warmer soil conditions that promoted root activity. Conditions during flowering and berry set were favourable for early- and mid season cultivars; however, later cultivars such as Cabernet Sauvignon exhibited looser set due to very warm conditions during their flowering period. Active shoot growth ceased earlier, likely due to lower soil moisture availability and sustained early phenology.

The 2025 harvest will be remembered for moderate temperatures and the absence of intense heatwaves during the harvest period. Producers

were able to irrigate adequately after harvest, and temperatures were higher than the long term average; leaves therefore remained on the vines for an extended period, which was beneficial for the production and accumulation of carbohydrate reserves in the permanent structures of the vines. Adequate reserves are essential for initial vegetative growth in spring, as well as for complete bud development and fertility. Rainfall was lower in March and April, but higher in May compared with the long-term average. Cold and wet conditions set in earlier than in the previous year, with good rainfall recorded in May. However, winter rainfall was lower than the long-term average, which was evident in some of the larger storage dams that did not reach full capacity. The winter was nevertheless

Photo PA 1. Uniform and early véraison of Cabernet Sauvignon planted at the foot of Paarl Mountain.

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