Hotel in Valle de Guadalupe with Art of the Grape
There’s a magical time of year when vineyards come alive with the vibrant colors and head-turning aromas of ripe grapes. Grape harvest season has arrived! This pivotal stage in winemaking sets the foundation for creating the exquisite flavors and nuances wine lovers enjoy. In this blog entry, we will introduce you to the best hotel in Valle de Guadalupe so you can live this incredible season up close. Moreover, we will dive into the fascinating process of grape harvesting and stomping, exploring the steps involved and interesting facts. So, grab a glass of your favorite vintage, and let’s begin the journey from vine to wine.
The Grape Harvesting Process
- Determining Ripeness. Grape harvesting begins with a careful assessment of the grapes’ ripeness. Winemakers closely monitor sugar levels, acidity, and phenolic (tannin and pigment) maturity to determine the optimal time to harvest. This decision is critical, as it has a significant impact on the final flavor profile of the wine.
- Hand Harvesting: Hand harvesting is the traditional method many wineries employ, especially for premium wines. Skilled workers carefully hand-pick individual clusters, ensuring that only the ripest and healthiest grapes make it into the harvest bins. This method allows for selective picking, reducing the chance that damaged or unripe grapes will be included.
- Sorting: After harvesting, the grapes undergo a sorting process to remove any remaining debris, such as leaves, stems, or unripe grapes. Sorting can be done manually or with mechanical sorting machines to ensure that only the highest quality grapes are used.
Grape Stomping
Once the grapes are harvested and sorted, they are ready for the next crucial step: stomping. This process extracts the juice from the grapes, setting the stage for fermentation and the eventual creation of wine.
- Destemming: In the initial stage of grape stomping, the harvested grapes are gently destemmed. This process removes the stems from the grapes, ensuring that only the berries are used in the winemaking process.
- Stomping Methods: There are two primary methods of crushing grapes:
- The traditional method, known as foot treading, involves placing clusters of grapes in large, shallow vats or containers. Skilled workers, often wearing clean boots, stomp on the grapes, breaking the skins and releasing the juice. Although labor-intensive, this method is still used in some artisanal wineries, particularly for high-quality wines.
- Mechanical Stomping: In modern winemaking, mechanical grape crushers or presses are used. These machines gently crush the grapes, breaking the skins and releasing the juice. Mechanical stomping is highly efficient and allows winemakers to process large quantities of grapes in a shorter period of time.
- Must Extraction: After stomping, the resulting mixture of grape juice, skins, and seeds is called «must.» The must is then transferred to fermentation vessels, where the juice ferments with the skins, extracting flavors, aromas, and tannins.
Interesting Facts of the Wine
- The first grape harvest of the season is called «The First Fruit» in winemaking traditions. It is often celebrated as a significant event in vineyards around the world.
- Some vineyards use nocturnal or early morning harvesting to take advantage of cooler temperatures. This preserves the grapes’ freshness and helps maintain their desired flavor profiles.
- White wine grapes are often harvested earlier than red wine grapes to preserve their acidity and achieve desired fruit characteristics.
- Sparkling wine grapes, too, are typically harvested earlier to retain higher acidity levels.
Our Hotel in Valle de Guadalupe: A Grape Choice
Grape harvesting and stomping are essential processes in winemaking. If you want to immerse yourself in the world of wine, El Cielo Resort, the best hotel in Valle de Guadalupe, is well-known for its breathtaking vineyards, diverse grape varieties, being a 5 stars hotel, and world-class wineries. We offer the opportunity to experience the beauty of the vineyard landscape while gaining insight into the intricate art of grape harvesting and stomping.
Immerse yourself in the rich wine culture of the region as you witness firsthand the meticulous process from vine to cellar. El Cielo‘s knowledgeable staff will guide you through the various stages of winemaking, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication involved. Now, raise your glass and toast to the magic of grape harvesting and stomping. Uncork and unwind in the heart of Mexico’s wine region!
