The climax of all the hard work in the vineyards comes with harvest in October. During the four weeks in the run up to harvest, the winemaking and viticulture team spends time in all the vineyard sites monitoring the ripening process of the various grape varieties. This is carried out by taste and by laboratory analysis. When optimum levels of acidity and sugar are reached, the start date of harvest and the site order of picking can be determined. It really is just like the Del Monte advert. The man from Chapel Down, he say "Yes!"
Harvest is a stressful and exhausting time for all the teams as we try and ensure that the pickers, bins and equipment are in the right place at the right time. Harvest lasts for up to six weeks. All picking is done by hand and this ensures that any imperfect fruit is rejected whilst still on the vine - a level of quality control essential for premium wine and the maintenance of high wine standards. All fruit is brought within 8 hours of picking to the winery at Tenterden, where the alchemy, science and art of the winemaking process begins.