The Art of Grape Harvesting: Timing, Technique, and Terroir

Harvest season is the heartbeat of winemaking—a moment when precision, patience, and nature come together. As a true wine lover, understanding how and when grapes are harvested gives you a deeper appreciation for the bottle in your hand. After all, a wine’s character is shaped long before it reaches the cellar.

When Does the Grape Harvest Happen?

Harvest timing varies depending on grape variety, region, and climate. In the Northern Hemisphere, harvest usually begins in late July and can last until October. In the Southern Hemisphere, it takes place from February to April.

Here are typical harvest windows for some of the world’s most renowned wine grapes:

• Chardonnay – early to mid-August

• Sauvignon Blanc – mid to late August

• Pinot Noir – late August to early September

• Merlot – mid-September

• Cabernet Franc – late September

• Cabernet Sauvignon – late September to October

The later the grape is harvested, the more structure and complexity it can develop—assuming weather conditions cooperate.

Why Fine Wines Are Hand-Harvested

For premium wines, hand harvesting is the gold standard. It allows pickers to select only the ripest, healthiest bunches while leaving behind underripe or damaged fruit. This is essential for delicate varieties like Pinot Noir, which can be easily bruised.

Grapes are often picked in the cool early morning or even at night to preserve freshness, acidity, and aroma.

From Vineyard to Winery

After harvesting, grapes are carefully transported in small crates to avoid crushing. In the winery, they are meticulously sorted—either by hand or using advanced optical sorters. Some winemakers choose to destem the grapes; others ferment whole clusters, especially in regions like Burgundy, to enhance complexity.

A Fun Fact for the Curious Palate

In Champagne, hand harvesting is required by law. Machine picking would rupture the grape skins and expose the juice to oxygen—something you definitely don’t want when making sparkling wine.

At Wine In Time, we work exclusively with producers who treat the harvest as a craft in its own right. Explore our curated selection and taste the essence of the harvest in every glass with our fast and free delivery in Vienna.