Kelowna’s Tantalus Vineyards has officially begun its micro-harvest, marking the start of the 2021 grape harvest season. This highly anticipated event is a crucial step in the winemaking process and sets the tone for the quality of wines to come.
The micro-harvest, also known as the “green harvest,” involves hand-picking a small portion of the grapes from each vine. This meticulous process allows the remaining grapes to fully ripen and ensures a more concentrated and flavorful yield.
According to Tantalus Vineyards’ winemaker, David Paterson, the micro-harvest is a crucial step in producing high-quality wines. “By removing a portion of the grapes, we are able to control the yield and ensure that the remaining grapes receive the necessary nutrients and energy to fully ripen,” Paterson explains.
The micro-harvest is also an opportunity for the winemaking team to assess the health and quality of the grapes. This year, Tantalus Vineyards is expecting a bountiful harvest, with the grapes showing excellent flavor and sugar levels.
The micro-harvest is just the beginning of the grape harvest season, which typically runs from late August to early October. During this time, the remaining grapes will be hand-picked and carefully sorted before being sent to the winery for processing.
Tantalus Vineyards is known for its commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, and the micro-harvest is no exception. The hand-picking process minimizes the use of machinery, reducing the winery’s carbon footprint.
The micro-harvest is a labor-intensive process, with each vine being carefully inspected and hand-picked by a team of skilled workers. This attention to detail is what sets Tantalus Vineyards apart and contributes to the exceptional quality of their wines.
As the micro-harvest continues, wine enthusiasts can look forward to the release of Tantalus Vineyards’ 2021 vintage, which is expected to be one of their best yet. With the perfect combination of ideal growing conditions and expert winemaking techniques, Tantalus Vineyards is poised to produce another exceptional vintage.
In the world of winemaking, the micro-harvest is a crucial step that sets the foundation for a successful harvest season. And at Tantalus Vineyards, it is a testament to their dedication to producing world-class wines.
