What does it mean for the grapes...?
Tablas Creek, Paso Robles.
What happens during véraison?
Véraison is an important moment in the growing cycle of wine grapes; when red grapes turn from green to dark, and when the grapes become sweet.
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Scroll down to see grapes in véraison
It marks the beginning of the ripening phase for the grapes.
It’s currently happening in many vineyards across the northern hemisphere, and in a few months time, the grapes will be ripe and ready for harvest.
‘Reports of véraison have started to come in, and the upcoming warm weather will surely accelerate ripening. Crop size seems healthy, and we are hopeful for another outstanding vintage,’ said Matt Reid, winemaker at Benessere Vineyards in Napa Valley.
In southern hemisphere regions, like ones in South America and Australia, this happens around December, ahead of their harvest in the spring.
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Does soil contribute to the flavour of wine? – ask Decanter
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How old is too old for vines? – ask Decanter
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How to tell if a wine ifs warm or cool climate – ask Decanter
Below are a selection of photos from wineries of it in action, from California to Italy to England…
Bordeaux, France
Merlot grapes changing colour at Château Bauduc in Bordeaux.
Paso Robles, California
Mourvèdre grapes changing colour at Tablas Creek in Paso Robles.
Barolo, Italy
Véraison in Barolo, Piedmont, at Sordo Wine Estate.
Cyprus
Maratheftiko grapes turning red at Ezousa Winery in Cyprus. Credit: Evoinos, Ezousa Winery.
Napa Valley, California
Grapes ripening and changing colour at Benessere Vineyards, in Napa Valley.
Beijing, China
Nearly all of the grapes have changed colour here at Chateau Bo Long Bao, in Beijing.
