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The wineries of the Association of German Prädikatswinzer (VDP) completed the 2019 grape harvest last week. This was announced by the association. After the large 2018 harvest, the VDP winegrowers had expected a smaller quantity in the following year. In addition, regional storms had caused a reduced harvest quantity. The hot summer had led "in part to considerable sunburn damage". The drought left the grapes with small berries. The main grape harvest began earlier than originally expected, as the vines gained an enormous advantage in ripening during the very sunny days at the end of August and beginning of September. On average, the VDP vineyards harvested about 25 percent less than the long-term average. However, the 2018 vintage could compensate for the loss.
In addition to the increasingly shorter harvesting period, the VDP reports that for some years now the start of the harvest has been postponed. Due to the warmer climate, the grapes ripened earlier. Especially in the large and first vineyards, this requires fast, determined action with ever larger harvest teams. Because in the best locations it is important to harvest the grapes at the optimal ripening time and to avoid overripening.
(uka / Photo: VDP)