Hello Dear Growers,
I hope your pre-harvest preparations are going smoothly.
Over the past three weeks, I’ve been out in the field collecting samples and assessing vineyard conditions. Overall, the grapes are looking excellent.
Harvest is expected to begin within the next 10 days, depending on variety and wine style. Early-ripening hybrid reds are well into the ripening stage, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are about 50% through veraison, and Cabernet Franc is just beginning veraison.
Dry Conditions
I know the lack of rain is a concern, but remember that grapevines require far less water than many other crops. Some stress may be visible, but it can usually be managed through canopy and under-vine practices. Please avoid evaluating vine stress late in the afternoon, when signs of stress are most pronounced.
Benefits of Dry Weather
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Reduced need for disease management sprays (low disease pressure)
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Less mowing and topping, lowering management costs
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Smaller berries, leading to more concentrated flavours
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Looser clusters, improving spray coverage, drying time, and disease control
We’ve had some rainfall over the past two weeks, including a few millimetres today (Friday), depending on your location. With the current high humidity, disease pressure may re-emerge, so please continue your spray program while respecting pre-harvest intervals.
Lab results with updated Brix levels will be shared soon.
Upcoming Events:
Season in Review – Wrap-Up Event
📅 November 26, 2025 | 9 AM – 3 PM
📍 Berwick Lions Club | Lunch provided
We’ll reflect on the season, celebrate successes, and identify opportunities for the future. This year’s program includes a discussion panel on heat stress and grape quality.
Sign-up details will be shared later this month.
Cool Climate Crush Podcast Launch
Our new viticulture podcast launches at the end of the month! The first episode explores crop insurance, answering common questions from growers. If you’d like to submit additional questions after listening through the interview, please send them in.
Best Practice Session
📅 September 6, 2025 | 9 AM – 11 AM
📍 Ellslea Vineyard, 925 Bains Street
Halifax Wine Festival
📅 September 6, 2025 | 3 PM (time depends on your ticket)
🔗 hfxwinefest.ca
Wine Fair Halifax
📅 October 4, 2025
🔗 Wine Fair Halifax Tickets
Thank you all for your time this week, and I look forward to seeing you in the vines soon.
Cheers! And Happy Growing.
Katarina
Katarina Vucic
P.Ag; MSc; DipWSET
Viticulture
Specialist
Perennia Food and Agriculture
Email kvucic@perennia.ca
Office 902-678-7722
Cell 902-599-1390
