Harvest Report 2026 – A Winter That Set the Tone
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Winter 2025 was consistently cold, wet and prolonged, with low temperatures and regular rainfall extending well into September. Pruning only began towards the end of the first week of August, with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir deliberately pruned as late as possible. With no warm spikes during July and August, the vines experienced a sustained and healthy dormancy period. As a result, bud-break was slightly later than the previous season, but notably even across the vineyards — an encouraging start to the growing cycle. 
A Compressed Spring, A Promising Crop Spring arrived later than usual and moved quickly. By mid-October, temperatures rose and rainfall dropped off, while strong winds persisted through October and November. Despite these conditions, the combination of a cold, wet winter followed by warmer weather ensured successful flowering and berry set. The result was a healthy, generous crop with excellent potential.  An Early Start to Harvest From mid-November through to mid-January, sustained heat and minimal rainfall accelerated ripening across the Western Cape. Many producers began harvesting 10 to 14 days earlier than usual — in some cases, the earliest on record. While Elgin avoided extreme heat spikes seen elsewhere, the season was still warmer and drier than usual. We began harvesting on 4 February, around 10 days earlier than the previous two vintages. The vineyards delivered excellent phenolic ripeness, balanced by even bunch distribution and strong yields — all indicators of a high-quality vintage.  Rain, Pressure and Precision Just as we prepared to harvest the bulk of our Chardonnay in the week of 9 February, the weather shifted dramatically. Continuous rainfall delayed picking by a full week. By the following Monday, both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reached optimal ripeness simultaneously. This compressed what would normally be a two-week picking window into just five days, requiring 65% of the harvest to be brought in over a very short period. Between 16 and 24 February, we processed over 60 tons of grapes, working at a daily capacity of 9 to 14 tons. It was an intense period in the cellar — long days and nights focused on processing fruit and managing spontaneous fermentations. Rain continued intermittently over the following weeks, complicating decision-making. Rainfall above 6mm leads to water uptake in the vines, temporarily diluting sugars and flavours. Just as balance began to return, further downpours would reset the cycle. This created a constant tension: wait for optimal flavour development, or pick early to avoid potential rot and fungal pressure. The conditions closely resembled those experienced in Burgundy in the late 1990s and early 2000s — harvesting between rain events, under persistent humidity.  A Slower Finish for Later Varietals As February moved into March, temperatures dropped and rainfall continued. These cooler conditions proved beneficial for Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah, allowing for slower, more measured ripening. The result was strong flavour development, alongside good phenolic ripeness in both skins and pips. A return to warmer, humid conditions in recent weeks allowed us to complete the Syrah harvest, marking the end of picking for the 2026 vintage. 
Into the Cellar, Towards Completion With all grapes now safely in the cellar, the focus shifts to fermentation, which will continue for several weeks. The forecasted cooler, wetter weather arrives at an ideal moment, supporting the vines as they transition from their reproductive phase into dormancy — a necessary period of rest and recovery ahead of the next cycle.
A Vintage of Challenge and Reward This was a demanding harvest, shaped by shifting weather and tight picking windows. Yet, it stands out as one of the most rewarding vintages in recent years. In the four years since arriving in Elgin, this has delivered the best combination of yield and quality. The grapes show excellent phenolic ripeness, with expressive fruit profiles, supple tannins and strong colour extraction.  Acknowledgement A vintage like this is never achieved alone. It is the result of the dedication and resilience of both vineyard and cellar teams, who worked tirelessly under challenging conditions. We look forward to sharing the results of this harvest in the months and years to come — starting, as always, with a glass of wine. Kind regards |
