Knowing when to pick grapes

Here we are in late August and the red grapes have started turning red. I've been tasting one every few days to get the hang of it, but they are still quite sour. Grapes generally ripen between late August and late October, depending on the variety. As they will not ripen any further once they have been picked from the vine, they need to be picked only when they are ripe. This can be tricky. In cooler climates it can take longer to get to the required sweetness. We are keeping an eye on bird activity in the vineyard as the birds are always first in line for sweet fruit. We expect to receive an alert from Mother Nature that the grapes are ripe.

The best way to test whether grapes are ready for picking is to taste them. Once red grapes have turned colour it can take them one to three weeks to ripen properly. How long it takes depends on the variety of the grape and the weather. Green or white grapes are harder for me, a first timer. Their skin normally turns slightly translucent and yellowish once they are ripe. I haven't noticed that yet. Ripe grapes will also feel soft and squishy. A few red ones have.

Another indication of how ripe grapes are is the color of the seeds. If the seeds are green, the grape isn’t ready. If they are brown, then the grapes are ripe. 

Truly, taste is all that matters. Grapes should taste sweet. If they are aren't sweet enough, then one should leave them a few days longer.  If you like how they taste, pick them! 

When picking the grapes, you are to avoid touching them. Instead, one should hold the stalk above the bunch and cut them leaving the stalk attached. We happen to have the right tools for picking. Lucky for this year, we only have 10 vines mature enough to pick, but it is our first harvest. How exciting. 

From Uncorked: the Blog

Revealing the 5 Tell-Tale Signs the Grapes Are Ready for Wine Harvest

All those seeking The Great Grape are evaluating it in several ways. These include, but aren’t limited to:

1. Color of the grapes. Naturally, red grape varieties will gradually turn from green to red as they ripen. However, experienced winemakers know it could take many weeks, depending on the weather and the grape variety, before true ripeness sets in.
2. Color of the stems and grape seeds: When ripe they will be brown.
3. Added hints from grapes: They will plump up as sugars increase, and they will be easy to pull from a cluster the riper they get.
4. Added hint from grape seeds: Taste a grape and the seeds are easily chewable when ripe. They are also brown.
5. Flavor. Ripe grapes are sweet, with no hint of bitterness in the flesh or seeds. Experienced winemakers will look for the ultimate “varietal” flavors to show through.