Do different grape varieties ripen at the same time?

Grape cultivars have different maturation timelines that cause them to not ripen at the same time. Early-ripening cultivars, such as Concord, will be ripe in approximately 90-100 days, while late-ripening types, like Cabernet Franc, take about 150-160 days. This biological difference allows for an extended harvest schedule within a vineyard.

Table varieties of grapes need lower Brix levels of 16-20° to have balanced sweetness, while wine varieties require 22-28° Brix. Dessert or late-harvest varieties can reach levels of 30° Brix or higher. These Brix sugar levels correlate to specific uses and taste anticipations for each type of grape.

The post-fruit-set development phase influences maturation speed: a 30-70 day period characterized by elevated sugar accumulation and acid transition, dependent on environmental conditions. Depending on the weather, this window can shorten or lengthen by a range of 10-20 days, and the effects can vary depending on the variety.

Use complementary varieties to help stagger your harvest periods. Combine early-ripening table grapes with mid-season wine varieties, and then include late desert varieties to ensure uninterrupted harvest periods. This practice can help you realize the maximum output from your vineyard for approximately 3-4 months.

Keep track of the development stage for each variety individually. For example, check Concord at 60 days post-set and then assess Cabernet at its 100-day mark. Maintaining good notes will enable an estimate of when the grapes will be harvested, based on seasonal trends.

Read the full article: When to Harvest Grapes: The Essential Guide