Spring is finally here, and while autumn is the season of harvest, spring is the time for renewal, planning, and anticipation in the wine industry. Vineyards start to wake up from their winter slumber, winemakers look ahead to the next vintage, and the northern hemisphere’s wine fairs buzz with excitement. Meanwhile, in the southern hemisphere, it’s time for the all-important harvest—the moment of truth after a year of hard work in the vineyard.
What’s Happening in the Vineyards?
As the days grow warmer, vines burst into life. Bud break—the moment tiny buds start appearing on the vines—marks the start of the growing season. This is one of the most crucial moments in viticulture because these fragile buds will eventually become the grapes that define the next vintage.
Winemakers, vineyard managers, and agronomists are busy monitoring frost risks, pruning vines, and ensuring optimal soil health. In many regions, spring can bring unpredictable weather, and a late frost can damage young shoots, potentially affecting the entire year’s production. So, while we might be enjoying the longer days and warmer weather, vineyard teams are keeping a close eye on Mother Nature.
Winemakers & Producers: Forecasting and Planning
While the vines are just beginning their journey, winemakers and producers are deep in forecasting mode. How will last year’s conditions influence the wines currently ageing in barrels? What do the early vineyard signs suggest for the next vintage? It’s a season of tasting, blending, and strategising.
Many winemakers use this time to fine-tune their wines, preparing them for bottling and release. Spring is also when producers get a clearer picture of how their wines from the previous harvest are evolving, making it an exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) time in the cellar.
Wine Fairs & Industry Buzz
Spring isn’t just a busy time in the vineyard—it’s also wine fair season in the northern hemisphere! Events like ProWein in Germany, Vinitaly in Italy, and London Wine Fair bring together winemakers, buyers, and enthusiasts for tastings, networking, and trend-spotting. It’s the perfect time for producers to showcase their latest creations, connect with distributors, and see what’s trending in the wine world.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere… It’s Harvest Time!
While the north gears up for a new season, the southern hemisphere—home to incredible wine regions like Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and Australia—is in the thick of harvest. This is when all the year’s hard work in the vineyard finally pays off.
Winemakers eagerly assess the grapes as they arrive from the vines, determining sugar levels, acidity, and flavour profiles. They’re also thinking ahead—how will this vintage compare to previous years? Many factors influence the final product, from weather patterns to soil conditions, making every harvest unique.
Which Vintage Is Being Bottled?
A common question among wine lovers is, “Which vintage is being bottled this spring?” The answer depends on the style of wine. Most wines being bottled now in March 2025 will carry the 2024 vintage on the label in the southern hemisphere, as they are made from grapes harvested in early 2024. Meanwhile, in the northern hemisphere, the wines being bottled will generally be from the 2023 vintage, harvested in autumn 2023.
However, wines that require longer ageing—such as fine reds or reserve whites—might be from even earlier vintages, like 2022 or 2021. In the southern hemisphere, the 2025 harvest is just taking place, meaning those wines won’t be bottled until later this year or even 2026, depending on the ageing process.
A Fun Fact for the Wine Lovers
Did you know that grapevines can recognise their own kind? Studies have shown that vines grown next to their genetic relatives produce better fruit, as they seem to “cooperate” rather than compete. A little vineyard teamwork goes a long way!
So, as we sip our favourite wines this spring, let’s raise a glass to the hard-working teams in both hemispheres—whether they’re just beginning the journey or bringing a year’s work to its glorious conclusion.
Cheers to the season of renewal! What’s in your glass this spring?