Vinpro Technical Harvest Report 2026

General remarks

Vineyards and grapes remained particularly healthy throughout the season due to low rainfall during the growing period and effective preventative disease management by producers. Only 10 mm of rainfall was recorded from early October 2025 to the end of January 2026. Insect pressure was a notable challenge this year, with weevils and mealybugs occurring in high numbers. No natural extreme events occurred which could have resulted in crop losses. Following the heavy rainfall in February, Botrytis rot, sour rot and even Aspergillus became significant challenges, particularly in Chenin Blanc and, to a lesser extent, Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. Red cultivars, however, withstood the wet conditions well.

Production trends The harvest commenced one to two weeks earlier than normal. Cooler temperatures slightly delayed the ripening period, and the remainder of the harvest was completed at a more typical pace. Productions of early cultivars were strong, particularly Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinotage, while yields of later cultivars compared well with the long-term average. Rainfall in February resulted in rot in some cultivars but also provided significant relief for producers who were under pressure with limited irrigation water. A heatwave in mid-March caused a rapid increase in sugar levels, and all red cultivars reached harvest readiness simultaneously. Sunburn was observed in some areas, but not to an extent that had a meaningful impact on overall crop size.

Photo ROB 1. Sunburn damage at véraison in Merlot due to high temperatures.

Daily maximum temperatures (1–15 Mar 2026)

10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Max temp. Long-term average max temp.

Temperature (°C)

0 5

1

2

3

4

5

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7

8

9 101112131415

March 2026

Figure ROB 2. Maximum temperatures in Robertson from 1–15 March compared with the long-term average.

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