September 5, 2024
harvest 2024
Early start of the wine harvest on Föhr – a vintage with surprises.
A surprisingly early harvest is on the horizon at our winery this year. While the grape harvest on the island traditionally begins late in September and often not until October, this year's weather pattern means that the grapes are ripe earlier than usual. An exciting moment for us, because an early harvest date can indicate a promising vintage.
But how does our winemaker Lenz actually know when the grapes are right for the harvest? Deciding when to harvest the grapes is an art in itself. That's why he regularly checks the ripeness of the grapes to find the ideal time. Various factors play a role: The grapes are examined for their sugar, acid and aroma content. The sugar content of the berries is measured with a refractometer, the acid content through tasting and chemical analysis. The grapes must achieve the right balance between sweetness and acidity, which determines the character of the wine. The weather also plays a decisive role. This year, the relatively warm spring on the island, followed by a moderate but sufficiently dry summer and a constant sea breeze, has accelerated the ripening of our grapes. The intense sunlight and stable humidity have accelerated the ripening process and the grapes are developing splendidly. "Our grapes already have an exceptional aroma," says our Lenz happily, "an early harvest date could mean an exceptional vintage quality."
Based on the weather forecast and the development of the grapes, we assume that the harvest could begin in just a few weeks this year. All signs point to an exciting, aromatic vintage that will fully showcase the uniqueness of the North Sea climate.
We are excited about the first grapes of this special vintage - and look forward to presenting you the first impressions and experiences of this year's harvest soon.