Which workwear we need for wine harvest
Wine Harvesting: A Key Phase in Wine Production and the Use of Work Equipment and Clothing
1. Optimal Time for Wine Harvesting
The decision of when to harvest grapes is one of the most crucial a vineyard owner will make. This timing determines the sugar, acid, and tannin levels in the grapes, all of which influence the taste, structure, and aging potential of the resulting wine.Are you interested in the factors influencing this decision?
- Grape maturity: The grapes should reach optimal maturity, meaning the right balance between sugar and acid.
- Weather conditions: Rain, hail, or prolonged heat can jeopardize grape quality, sometimes pushing vineyard owners to harvest earlier or later than ideally desired.
- Wine style: Grapes harvested earlier (with higher acidity and lower sugar content) might be used for sparkling wines, whereas grapes harvested later (with higher sugar content) may be intended for dessert wines.
2. Manual or Mechanical Harvesting
When discussing harvesting methods, there are two main methods: manual and mechanical. Both have their advantages, with the choice depending on the desired final result and grape variety. Grapes can be harvested manually or mechanically. Manual Harvesting: Workers pick the grapes by hand. This method allows for a more selective harvest, ensuring only the best grapes are chosen. It is often used for high-quality or boutique wines. Mechanical Harvesting: Machines shake or pick the grapes from the vines. This method is more efficient and is typically used for larger vineyards and wines produced in larger quantities.3. Initial Sorting and Processing
After harvesting, crucial procedures begin that influence the final quality of the wine. Quality wine requires careful sorting to remove unripe, overripe, or damaged grapes and any leaves or stems. This ensures only the highest-quality fruit is used, which is vital for producing quality wine.4. Destemming and Crushing
After sorting, the grapes are usually subjected to destemming and crushing. Destemming removes the stems from the grapes since stems can give the wine bitter tannins. Crushing breaks the grape skins and releases the juice. This juice, along with the skins (and sometimes seeds), will undergo fermentation. These steps are foundational in wine production, as they directly affect the release of the juices, tannins, and grape aromas, which are vital for the final taste and texture of the wine.5. Beginning of Fermentation
This is the heart of the wine production process, where sugar is converted into alcohol, also giving the wine its unique character. Once the juice is exposed, fermentation can start. Yeast, whether natural or added, consumes the sugar in the grape juice, producing alcohol. The length of fermentation and whether skins are included (as in the production of red wine) will significantly influence the wine's character. In short, wine harvesting isn't just about picking grapes. It's the beginning of a carefully orchestrated process that transforms grapes into one of the most valued drinks in the world. Decisions made during harvesting will resonate throughout the entire wine production process, influencing the final quality and style of the wine.Slovenian Wine Harvesting Equipped with Pharsol Protect
On the fertile soils of Slovenia, where the art of viticulture enriches with every season, wine harvesting holds special significance. Originating from ancient times, Slovenian wine harvests tell stories of tradition, precision, and unwavering dedication. As vineyard workers weave through rows of grapes, rich aromas fill the air, signaling the birth of a new vintage. But behind this picturesque scene lies meticulous work and potential hazards, mitigated only by appropriate protective equipment.Ensuring Safety in the Vineyards
In the intricate process of vineyard harvesting, safety should never take a back seat. The unpredictable nature of harvesting tasks combined with the diverse terrains of Slovenian vineyards demands equipment that goes beyond just functionality. It should prioritize the well-being of every worker. Having the right protective equipment not only ensures a smooth workflow but also drastically reduces potential hazards. Whether it's the challenge of early morning harvests, the proximity of machinery, or the precise manual picking process, every task has its set of risks. At Pharsol Protect, we believe a well-equipped worker is a protected worker.