Countdown to harvest 2024 

The 2024 harvest at Poulton Hill may be a bit later than it has been in previous years. The UK has not experienced a prolonged heatwave this year, but we have had some warm weather and quite a bit of rainfall. Although the grapes have been growing well, the damp weather has led to mildew forming on some bunches and we have had to remove the damaged ones. We sprayed the vines to avoid the disease spreading. This is another reason why canopy management is so important at this time of year as we need to increase the airflow in the canopy and around the grapes.

Now that veraison is happening, and both the white and red varieties of grapes are starting to change colour as they ripen and sweeten, we know that we are on the final countdown. Veraison is easier to spot in red grapes as the fruit turns from green to purple when the chlorophyll is replaced with anthocyanin. We can also see how close to harvest we are by changes in the leaves. As the grapes ripen, energy is taken from the leaves and they begin to turn red and orange (but maintain their green veins).

When both the grapes and the leaves change colour, we start to check the sugar levels in each of the grape varieties as some will ripen earlier than others. We collect 25 random samples from each variety and use a refractometer that is set to the Oechsle scale, which measures the density of the grape must. This will indicate a grape’s ripeness and sugar content. When we measure the must, we need to ensure that no light gets in as this can affect the reading. Once the sugar and acidity levels reach the right point, it is time to harvest.

The one final thing that can directly affect when we harvest the grapes, even if they appear to be ripe and ready, is the daily weather. If it is raining, the grapes will swell up with water and both the sweetness and the acidity levels will be affected.

Once we start to harvest, the grapes are sent directly to the winery where they are crushed and the wine-making process starts. If the grapes are destined for still wines, the 2024 vintage will be released in late spring/early summer 2025. If they are being turned into sparkling wine, the process takes a little longer and it will be a few years until the wine is ready.

 

Pickers wanted

We are always keen to have helpers at our harvest. It is a great way to get to know our customers and our local community. It is also a good opportunity for people to learn a bit more about vineyard life!

We give all the training that is needed and provide clippers, snacks, drinks and lunch. We recommend you bring a pair of gloves as the clippers are sharp and the grape juice is sticky. You do not have to spend the entire harvest with us, but you can pop in for a morning or afternoon or for a few hours when you have time.

We can’t give you a date when harvest will start this year, but we anticipate it will be late September/early October. If you are interested in helping out with harvest, please drop us a line at info@poultonhillestate.co.uk.