The most exciting time of the year has arrived early this year at St. Anne’s Winery— harvest season! It’s the pivotal period that our team is working towards all year, as the vineyards come alive with activity, and months of hard work finally come to fruition. From the careful picking of each grape to the first stages of fermentation, this is when the magic of winemaking truly begins.
We are constantly testing the quality of our grapes to predict exactly when they’ll be ready for harvest. This year, they were ready 5 weeks earlier than planned – harvest waits for no one! We begin at our vineyards in Moama, then make our way South to our other properties in Bendigo & Myrniong where the climate is slightly colder & the grapes will be ready later.
What Happens During Harvest?
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes during this busy season? Here’s a closer look at some of the key steps in the winemaking process:
🍇 Picking the Grapes
Harvesting is a delicate process that requires careful timing. Our team selects the ripest fruit by hand, ensuring that only the best grapes make it into the press. The right balance of sugar, acidity, and flavour is crucial, so every bunch is checked with precision.
✂️ Sorting & Destemming
Once harvested, the grapes go through a sorting process to remove any underripe or damaged fruit. After that, they are gently destemmed, separating the berries from the stems to ensure a clean, high-quality fermentation.
🍷 Crushing & Fermentation
Next, the grapes are lightly crushed to release their juice. This marks the beginning of fermentation—when natural yeasts or carefully selected strains convert the sugars into alcohol. During this stage, the winery fills with the incredible aromas of fresh fruit and the promise of what’s to come.
🍇 Barrel Aging Begins
For many of our wines, the next step is barrel aging. Once fermentation is complete, certain varieties are placed into oak barrels, where they develop depth, complexity, and character over time. This patient process allows flavors to evolve, bringing out the unique qualities of each vintage.
