Harvest in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez,

Immersion in the heart of the vineyards through the harvest in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez,

Harvesting in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is much more than a simple agricultural event. Every year, it marks a key moment in the winegrowers’ calendar, a time when they harvest the fruits of their labour throughout the year.

It’s a time for sharing and conviviality. Did you know that Beyond The Wine visits a different winery each year to take part in this event?

A look back at our visit to Domaine Fondugues Pradugues in 2024 (Instagram)

What’s the difference between manual and mechanical harvesting?

Two methods are used in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez for the harvest of the precious grapes: hand-picking and mechanical harvesting. Let’s see what are the differences.

….. 1 – Manual harvesting in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez,

Hand-picking is an age-old method that involves harvesting the grapes by hand using secateurs. The pickers carefully select the best bunches, eliminating those that are damaged or under-ripe. This method means that the grapes are less likely to burst, thus avoiding the risk of premature oxidation and early fermentation.

In certain steep areas of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, some wineries use this method because machines cannot reach the rows of vines.

….. 2 – Mechanical harvesting in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez,

With the development of new technologies, mechanical harvesting has become the norm in many vineyards. It relies on the use of machines that shake the vines to make the grapes fall. Unlike manual harvesting, a machine can harvest several hectares a day, compared with just a few rows for a team of pickers.

Today’s machines can calculate the density of each grape berry to ensure optimum harvesting, and they can also move forward using highly advanced techniques (GPS) so as not to miss any rows or damage existing vines. That’s why the expertise of a technical director is so important in guaranteeing the quality of future vintages.

The NIGHTLY Harvest in the gulf of st tropez and Provence,

Popular for preserving the freshness of the grapes and enhancing their aromas, night-time harvesting offers ideal working conditions. Vinegrowers and workers harvest the grapes in optimum conditions, both for the grapes and for the pickers. In summer, the south of France can be very hot. This method protects the grapes from many things let’s have a look.

….. 1 – Cooler temperatures,

At night, the temperature drops compared to the often hot days in the region. This coolness helps to preserve the integrity of the grapes by limiting oxidation and preventing premature fermentation.

….. 2 – Preserving aromas,

Harvesting at night helps to maintain a more balanced acidity and preserve the freshness of the aromas, particularly for grape varieties destined for rosés, which are very popular in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

….. 3 – More efficient winemaking,

The grapes arriving at the winery are freshernot damaged, which means they can be processed immediately under optimum conditions (again the cold).

how to LIVE this WINE experience in the gulf of saint tropez?

Beyond The Wine has the perfect opportunity to attend this event! We invite you to take part in this immersive experience. You’ll be welcomed with coffee and pastries to get the morning off to a good start. As the morning progresses, your guide will help you discover the specific characteristics of each grape variety. Then savour the freshly squeezed juice before concluding with a tasting of the estate’s wines, accompanied by an authentic Provençal snack.

This unique, intimate and privileged adventure will give you the chance to chat with a member of the estate, guided by our local wine expert.

The grape harvest in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is not just a time for harvesting, but a real celebration of the richness of the terroir and the know-how of the local vinegrowers. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of wine! Experience the harvest, meet the people who make these exceptional nectars, and get a taste of the history and culture of this exceptional region. Taking part in the grape harvest in the.Gulf of Saint-Tropez will allow you to discover an authentic and unique side of Provence.

So this year, why not enjoy this unforgettable experience and immerse yourself in the excitement of the Mediterranean grape harvest?