Vinpro Technical Harvest Report 2026

Accumulated growing degree days (GDD) (2025 vs 2026)

1 000 1 500 2 000 2 500 3 000

0 500

30 Dec 2025 4 Jan 2026

9 Jan 2026

3 Feb 2026

8 Feb 2026

1 Sep 2025

6 Sep 2025

1 Oct 2025

6 Oct 2025

5 Mar 2026

5 Nov 2025

5 Dec 2025

14 Jan 2026

19 Jan 2026

24 Jan 2026

29 Jan 2026

13 Feb 2026

18 Feb 2026

23 Feb 2026

28 Feb 2026

11 Sep 2025

16 Sep 2025

21 Sep 2025

26 Sep 2025

11 Oct 2025

16 Oct 2025

21 Oct 2025

26 Oct 2025

31 Oct 2025

10 Mar 2026

15 Mar 2026

10 Nov 2025

15 Nov 2025

20 Nov 2025

25 Nov 2025

30 Nov 2025

10 Dec 2025

15 Dec 2025

20 Dec 2025

25 Dec 2025

2026

2025

Figure SW 1. The 2026 season delivered warm conditions in November, December, and particularly March, as reflected in the accumulation of growing degree days.

Photo SW 1. Dryland Semillon showing water stress prior to véraison.

Photo SW 2. Uniform véraison and ripening of a bush vine Pinotage with adequate canopy protection.

Production trends Harvest commenced seven to ten days earlier than normal. Elevated temperatures in February and March placed considerable pressure on cellar operations. Early cultivars such as Pinotage, Merlot and Chenin Blanc delivered excellent yields, and although Cabernet Sauvignon produced a notably lighter crop, total production was slightly higher than the previous year due to cultivar distribution. Producers with access to irrigation water recorded particularly strong yields. Production from dryland vineyards varied but was notably better than initially expected.

Grape and wine quality

Red wines generally display deep, dark colour development, with higher alcohol levels and fuller styles compared with the previous cooler season. Owing to the overall warm conditions, natural acidity in the wines was lower, which necessitated greater adjustments in the cellar. White cultivars are characterised by pronounced tropical flavour profiles; Chenin Blanc wines in particular exhibit intense tropical fruit notes at this early stage. Juice recoveries (litres per tonne) were slightly lower due to smaller berry size.

VINPRO TECHNICAL HARVEST REPORT 2026 53