The Western Cape, with its sun-drenched vineyards and cooling coastal breezes, is synonymous with winemaking excellence. As summer approaches, excitement fills the air. This is harvest season, when months of planning and nurturing culminate in a pivotal time for winemakers. For Ken Forrester Wines, harvest is not just a task but the essence of every bottle’s story.
Harvest represents the culmination of a year-long cycle in the vineyards, where nature and human ingenuity converge. Decisions during these weeks shape the flavour, quality, and character of the wines. Timing is everything, requiring deep knowledge of each varietal’s response to climate, soil, and conditions.
Behind the scenes, the energy is electric. The cellar hums with activity as teams prepare for the influx of fruit. In the vineyards, a blend of tradition and modern science guides the process, from tasting the fruit to measuring ripeness with precision instruments. Weather patterns are closely monitored, as sudden changes can impact the harvest significantly.
At Ken Forrester Wines, harvest is a celebration of craftsmanship and community. Each grape reflects a connection to the land, a tribute to the people tending the vines, and a promise of exceptional wine. This transformative season highlights dedication and passion, capturing the spirit of the Western Cape, one grape at a time.
In the vineyards, every vine is carefully monitored to determine the optimal picking time, balancing sugar, acidity, and phenolic ripeness. This meticulous approach varies by grape variety and the wine it will become.
Preparation begins weeks before harvest. Cellar teams move wines from barrels to free up space, prepare tanks, clean equipment, and stack crates. Every detail is double-checked to avoid disruptions during this intense period.
Weather conditions are monitored closely, as sudden rain can dilute flavours or cause splitting, while excessive heat risks overripeness. These pressures demand quick thinking to preserve fruit quality.
Harvesting at Ken Forrester Wines is done by hand, allowing careful selection of grapes. Workers move through rows in the cooler early mornings to preserve freshness. Each bunch is inspected, with subpar fruit left behind to maintain wine integrity.
Once grapes arrive at the cellar, the winemaking begins immediately. White varieties like Chenin Blanc are gently pressed to separate juice from skins, preserving brightness and freshness. Red varieties ferment with their skins to extract colour, tannins, and structure. These initial steps are crucial to the final wine’s character.
The harvest rhythm balances tradition and innovation. Teams work tirelessly to ensure every grape reaches its potential, capturing the vineyard’s unique character in each bottle. Expertise, timing, and care define the Ken Forrester harvest, ensuring exceptional quality every year.
As the last grapes are picked and the cellar fills with the aroma of fermenting fruit, the harvest season at Ken Forrester Wines concludes. It’s a time of pride and reflection, knowing every decision has laid the foundation for an exceptional vintage. This labour of love ensures each bottle tells the story of the land, the season, and the people behind it. With the promise of a new vintage, we raise a glass to the magic of the harvest and the exceptional wines it brings to life.