Harvesting methods: Manual vs. mechanical

CONTENTS

• What is manual harvesting?
• Manual harvesting process
• Advantages of manual harvesting
• What is mechanical harvesting?
• Mechanical harvesting process
• Advantages of mechanical harvesting

The grape harvest is a very important step in the creation of wine, so, beyond being just a procedure, this wine celebration must be carried out under the highest standards of care and care in order to preserve the integrity of each grape and achieve the excellence of a red wine. red wine or a white wine from the moment it is harvested.

For this reason, the choice of harvesting method is of utmost importance, since each of them has particular characteristics, specific implementations and distinctive benefits. These differences between harvesting methods have a direct impact on the final quality of the wine, influencing its flavor, aroma and structure.

In previous articles we have shared with you information about how the grape harvest is carried out in different regions of the world. in different regions of the world, so in this section we will be sharing all you need to know aboutIn this section we will be sharing everything you need to know about manual and mechanical harvesting, as well as the processes and advantages of each one of them.

What is manual harvesting?

This type of harvest is a painstaking and laborious process that involves the careful and selective harvesting of ripe, high quality bunches of grapes destined for wine production. It involves the direct intervention of trained workers who walk through the vineyards, visually evaluating each plant and cluster to determine the optimum ripeness of the grapes before harvesting.

With this harvesting method, hand tools such as special scissors or knives are used to cut the grapes from the vine, which allows for meticulous selection and careful handling of the fruit, thus avoiding damage to the bunches.

Manual harvesting is also distinguished by its ability to adapt to changing conditions in the vineyard, as pickers can visually assess the condition of the grapes, taking into account the level of ripeness, exposure to the sun, as well as the health of the vine.

This harvesting method is recommended because it allows the preservation of the natural attributes of the fruit and, consequently, the contribution to the uniqueness and excellence of the wines, especially red wine.

Manual harvesting process

1. Selection and preparation: As mentioned above, the harvesters inspect the vines, selecting the bunches with ripe grapes and discarding those that do not meet quality standards.
2. Care during harvest: The grapes are harvested meticulously to avoid damaging the fruit and placed in special baskets or containers for transport to the winery.
3. Transport and processing: Harvesters transport the grapes quickly to the winery to avoid premature fermentation or deterioration of the fruit. There they are processed, pressed and fermented to produce, for example, Mexican red wines. Mexican red wines.

Advantages of manual harvesting

As mentioned above, hand harvesting may be less practical compared to mechanical harvesting, however, for the production of high quality red, white or rosé wines, where excellence is appreciated, this harvesting method is often preferred by winemakers:

1. Higher quality: hand harvesting has among its advantages the meticulous selection of the fruit, which results in better quality wines with richer and more complex flavors.
2. Reduced stress on vines: Avoiding damage to plants and clusters reduces stress to the plant and maintains long-term vine health.
3. Adaptability: Harvesters can adjust their process according to vineyard conditions and grape maturity, thus optimizing the quality of the harvest.

What is mechanical harvesting?

Unlike manual harvesting, which requires the direct intervention of workers to select and cut the bunches, mechanical harvesting is based on the application of technology through the use of equipment such as harvesters or grape harvesters, which optimize and speed up the harvesting process.

This mechanical approach is characterized by its ability to perform the harvesting task in an automated manner, significantly minimizing direct human intervention compared to laborious and detailed manual harvesting. 

Thus, the machines used for this task are specifically designed to gently shake the grapevines vines and release the ripe bunches of grapes, depositing them in containers or receptacles integrated into the machinery itself.

Therefore, the essence of mechanical harvesting lies in its efficiency and ability to cover large areas of vineyards in considerably shorter periods of time compared to manual harvesting, resulting in higher productivity, especially relevant in large-scale vineyards or in regions where labor is limited.

Mechanical harvesting process

1. Operation of specialized machinery: Harvesting machines are equipped with systems that gently shake the vines to detach the bunches of grapes; these bunches fall into hoppers or containers located inside the machines.
2. High yield: The machinery can cover large extensions of vineyards, allowing a faster harvest compared to the manual process.
3. Reduced labor requirements: Mechanical harvesting requires fewer workers compared to manual harvesting, which can result in lower labor costs .

Advantages of mechanical harvesting

Although mechanical harvesting can be more profitable in terms of costs, the lack of selectivity and the possibility of impacts on grape quality are aspects to consider in comparison with manual harvesting, however, there are several advantages that have kept this method in force:

1. Efficiency and speed: Automated machinery can harvest large areas in a relatively short period of time, which can be beneficial for large vineyards and areas with limited labor.
2. Cost reduction: By requiring less labor, mechanical harvesting can be a more economical option in terms of labor costs, which can be an important consideration for grape growers.
3. Harvesting consistency: The special harvesting machine is designed to harvest uniformly and consistently, which can help maintain consistency in the quality of the harvested grapes.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that selecting the right harvesting method is crucial, as the decision will have a significant impact on the quality and excellence of the wine, whether red or sparkling, white or rosé, and even champagne, where the quality of the grapes is most appreciated.

From the type of grape and the land where it is grown to the winemaking techniques used, every decision affects the taste, aroma and distinctive character of the wine, so to ensure the creation of exceptional wines that reflect the unique identity of their origin and delight the most demanding consumers, it is necessary to select the harvesting method with care. 

If you are interested in learning more about the different harvesting methods, as well as all about wine tasting, we invite you to keep an eye out for new updates on our blog, you will surely find the information you are looking for. Thanks for reading!