Hello Dear Growers!
Harvest is quickly approaching! In this week’s update, I’ll focus on technological ripeness (Brix and TA), disease management—including sour rot, botrytis, and grape skin integrity during rain events.
Below are the Brix levels from 2 September 2025. I was out sampling again yesterday, and I’ll share those results as soon as they’re available.
Please note: these figures were collected in the Valley (Wolfville/Kentville area) and may vary slightly by location.
Figure 1.
Table 1.
Precipitation totals for the Kentville Research and Development Centre by
month.
|
Month |
25-Year
Average (mm) |
Current
Year (mm) |
|
April |
81.9 |
93.7 |
|
May |
74.0 |
88.6 |
|
June |
98.7 |
50.5 |
|
July |
85.9 |
33.0 |
|
August |
91.1 |
13.2 |
|
September |
98.8 |
14.9** |
|
October |
115.8 |
|
**Up
to September 10, 2025
Table 2.
Growing degree days
and Sine degree days up to September 10, 2025. Growing degree days were
calculated using the average method and Sine degree days were calculated using
the single sine method. All temperature data were recorded at the Kentville
Research and Development Centre.
|
Single
sine degree days, base of 0 °C starting on April 1 |
Growing
degree days, base of 10 °C starting on April 1 |
||
|
Current
Year |
10-Year
Average |
Current
Year |
10-Year
Average |
|
2505.9 |
2458.6 |
1012.7 |
992.5 |
Observations
Dry conditions have led to a quality-driven harvest this year.
Veraison 2025 in L’Acadie and other varieties began only 2–3 days later than in 2024, making the timing difference between the two vintages minimal.
The dry season slowed ripening, so harvest dates are expected to be very similar to last year (per Osceola). I’ll provide a more accurate illustration of harvest dates once all data is collected.
Rain Events and Disease Pressure
With last night's rain and many areas receiving at least 11 mm of rain within the last 10 days, the risk of downy mildew is increased. Please monitor canopy tops and new growth carefully. Symptoms may not appear on clusters, so check leaves as well.
Micro-cracks and Berry Splitting
After a dry season, berry skins are more rigid. Rain can cause micro-cracks, increasing the risk of botrytis and sour rot. With rising sugar levels near harvest, splitting becomes more likely—monitor clusters closely and ensure protection.
SCOUT, SCOUT, SCOUT.
Cluster Thinning
If you have not already removed clusters above the fruiting zone or weak tertiaries, please do so. Unripe clusters divert sugars from ripening fruit and will reduce harvest quality.
News and Upcoming Events
Cool Climate Crush Podcast
The first episode has been recorded and will available by the end of the month. The theme: Crop Insurance with NSCLIC Manager Alicia Parsons Lushington. FAQs are answered and new info available.
Release details to follow.
26 November 2025: Viti Season Wrap Up Event @ The Berwick Lion Club.
Event is complimentary with lunch provided. Sign up details to follow.
Closing Thoughts
Communicate with your winery.
Be it harvest dates, predicted yields, quality of yield or pre-harvest intervals, ensure that you and your winery are on the same page.
Thank you all for your time this week. I wish you a successful and stress free harvest.
Cheers!
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
