How to Harvest Pinot Grapes
Once you have begun making and drinking your own wine, you may want to branch out into growing your own grapes for making wine. Pinot grapes can be fussy to grow, demanding a cool humid climate, however, once you have established your vineyard, your grapes will not be too difficult to harvest. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Know When Your Grapes are Ready
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1
Check your calendar. Pinot grapes are usually ready to harvest between late August and late October, depending on your climate and what type of growing season you have had.
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2
Examine the color of your grapes. The color should change from the green of the unripe pinot grapes to the medium or dark ruby of the ripe grapes.
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3
Measure your grapes. They are ready to harvest when they are medium-sized plump ovals.
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4
Grope your grapes. They will be ready to harvest when they are slightly soft to the touch.
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5
Taste your grapes. They are ready to harvest when they are sweet and juicy.
Harvest Your Grapes
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6
Sharpen and oil your picking shears. Dull or dirty shears may injure your grape vines.
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7
Pull a mature cluster of pinot grapes away from the vine and cut it off. Leave part of the stem still attached.
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8
Place the cluster gently in your basket.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Once you have finished harvesting your pinot grapes, they can be stored at 32 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 8 weeks.
Your grapes will not be ready to harvest just because they have changed color. If you harvest them before the other criteria are met, they will not make good juice, jelly or wine.
