In the middle of summer, around July and early August, an essential moment in the life of grapes takes place in Romanian vineyards: grape ripening. It is the period when the berries begin to soften, the red ones turn color, and all varieties begin to accumulate sugar, a clear sign that the road to harvest has begun.

If you arrive at a vineyard during this period, you can see how the vineyard is transformed: not only in appearance, but also in the intense activity of the winegrowers who are preparing for the most important moment of the year, the grape harvest.

How hot summers influence grape ripening

In recent years, hot and dry summers have become a reality in most wine-growing regions in the southern part of the country. This climate can speed up ripening, but it also brings challenges such as smaller and less juicy berries, concentrated sugars but with imbalances in terms of acidity and delayed phenolic ripening, important for tannins and color, especially for red wines.

Therefore, careful monitoring of the vineyard is essential during this period.

What happens in the vineyard before harvesting

Beyond the natural evolution of the grapes, winegrowers intervene with a series of works designed to support optimal ripening and prepare the vineyard for harvest.

Here is what usually happens in the vineyard at the end of July and in August:

Partial defoliation

By removing the leaves around the bunches, the vineyard is better ventilated, the berries receive more sun (but controlled), and the risk of mold is reduced. This work is done in the morning, when the sun is mild.

In very dry years, defoliation should be moderate to avoid sunburn of the berries.

Cluster thinning (only when necessary)

In areas where the vineyard has produced too much, some of the clusters can be removed, to allow the remaining ones to ripen evenly. The goal is to achieve better quality.

Phytosanitary treatments (if applicable)

Preventive treatments are applied, especially against gray rot (Botrytis), a known enemy of ripe grapes. In dry summers, the risk of disease is lower, but other uninvited visitors may appear: wasps, mites, grubs, attracted by the sugar in the berries.

Drip irrigation (where systems exist)

Although it is still rarely used due to its high cost, drip irrigation helps maintain plant health during periods of drought and can prevent ripening from being blocked. More and more Romanian wineries are exploring this solution to protect their harvest.

Removing late shoots

Shoots grown too late are unproductive and can shade the grapes or consume unnecessary resources. Removing them helps the bunches ripen better.

Soil care

A well-maintained soil makes a difference: a shallow mulch helps retain moisture, and clearing weeds around the stem directs all resources to the vine.

When are the grapes harvested?

The decision regarding the optimal harvest time is not made randomly. Winegrowers and oenologists constantly check the sugar level, acidity, pH, the condition of the berries, and even taste the grapes to evaluate aromatic development.

It is a fine balance between science and sense, between technology and instinct, and this choice defines the quality of the wine that will result.

For wine lovers and travelers, the end of summer is a wonderful time to visit Romania's vineyards. The vineyards are bustling, the wineries are putting the finishing touches on the final touches, and the landscapes take on a special charm. If you find yourself in a wine-growing area during this period, ask for a grape tasting directly from the vineyard, it's the first step towards the wine you'll be drinking in a few months.

28/07/2025

Alina Iancu