Grape harvest

Harvest begins when the grapes have accumulated enough sugar and reached the desired acidity and aroma development. In Germany it typically takes place between September and November, and for ice wine it can be even later. Timing influences alcohol, acidity and aromas of the later wine.

Picking is done by hand or with harvesters. Hand picking allows selection and is often the only option on steep slopes; machine harvesting is faster and cheaper. For Champagne hand picking is mandatory, and it is also common for other sparkling wines made by traditional bottle fermentation.