Vinpro Technical Harvest Report 2026

Grape and wine quality

Winemakers in the Robertson district are optimistic about the wine quality of the 2026 vintage, particularly regarding red wines. White grapes,

Summary The 2025–2026 growing season delivered better production than that of 2025, although winemakers and viticulturists had to contend with several challenges to achieve good quality. The season will be remembered as one of two extremes: an exceptionally dry growing period followed by heavy rainfall two weeks after the start of harvest. Nevertheless, the red wines from this vintage show promise of excellent quality and good colour development.

notably Chenin Blanc harvested after the rainfall, were affected by rot and Aspergillus, presenting challenges in the cellar. However, white grapes harvested before the rain, as well as unaffected fruit, produced wines of good quality. Acid analyses were within the normal range, although pH levels were relatively low compared with the norm for this region. Due to higher stock levels, a larger crop, a sharp increase in sugar levels following the heatwave, and rot after the rainfall, cellars experienced increased pressure in terms of grape intake.

Harvest started exceptionally well, followed by a period of turmoil after the rain. – Briaan Stipp, Viticulturist, Robertson Agricultural Cooperative Limited “

Hennie Visser | 083 455 5193 | henniev@vinpro.co.za

ROBERTSON LANGBERG MOUNTAINS

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