Harvest at Aveleda: Tradition, Innovation and Excellence in Winemaking
09 Sep 2025 / Viticulture
In Portugal, the grape harvest is more than just picking grapes—it is a moment that marks the end of a long cycle of dedication and hard work in the vineyard, celebrated generation after generation.
At Aveleda, this tradition takes on a new dimension, combining heritage with winemaking innovation in the heart of the Vinho Verde region.
With family roots dating back to 1870, Aveleda preserves a deep connection with the land, underpinned by a clear commitment to sustainability, technical rigor, and the enhancement of the terroir.
What is the Grape Harvest?
The harvest is the process of picking grapes for winemaking. It marks the end of the vineyard’s annual cycle and is a decisive stage for wine quality. The harvest date varies depending on grape ripeness, which is influenced by climate, grape variety, and the type of wine to be produced.
Traditionally, the grape harvest in Portugal takes place between August and September and can be done manually or mechanically.
At Aveleda, harvesting is predominantly mechanized with the practice of night harvesting, which maximizes grape freshness and aromatic potential. Additionally, in some selected plots, manual harvesting is still employed due to the exceptional nature of these vineyards.
From Vine to Cluster: The Natural Harvest Cycle
The grape harvest represents the culmination of a year’s work in the vineyard. It all begins with pruning, the winter cut that prepares the vines, followed by bud break, signalling that the vine is awakening.
With the arrival of spring comes shooting, when the first buds appear, followed by flowering and the pea-sized berry stage, when the grapes begin to take shape.
In the full heat of summer, veraison begins, when grapes change color and concentrate sugars. This is when the Aveleda team intensifies maturity monitoring to decide the ideal moment for harvest.
The Harvest Process at Aveleda
During the harvest, every detail matters. Most grapes are mechanically harvested, but the most emblematic wines, such as Aveleda Manoel Pedro Guedes or the Aveleda Parcelas range, are hand-picked, cluster by cluster, and transported in small boxes.
Night harvesting preserves grape aromas, a distinctive approach in the Vinho Verde region.
From 2025 onwards, Aveleda will only receive grapes harvested on the same day and transported in tipping boxes, no longer accepting grapes delivered by trailer.
All deliveries are pre-approved by the viticulture team and scheduled 72 hours in advance. Grapes in poor condition or showing signs of oxidation are rejected.
At the winery, grapes undergo berry-by-berry selection. Fermentation, whether in stainless steel or barrels, is conducted with precision by the winemaking team, ensuring wines that reflect the best of their origin.
Aveleda Producers’ Club
Aveleda has strengthened the Aveleda Producers’ Club, a program that supports and encourages local growers to continue producing high-quality, sustainable grapes.
Officially created in 2013, with members who have been working with us for over 30 years, the Club now includes 49 producers and around 460 hectares in the Vinho Verde region. It is an exclusive group, almost an extension of Aveleda, consisting of viticulturists who share our vision, adopt our practices, and aim to produce grapes of excellence.
Throughout the year, the viticulture team provides close technical support with vineyard visits, alignment meetings, training, and protocols that translate into tangible benefits, helping plan and manage operations, reduce costs, and improve vineyard health.
During harvest, this work is reflected in the superior quality of delivered grapes, which are rewarded in contracts.
This relationship of trust makes the harvest more organized and efficient and contributes to everyone’s success.
The Experience of Participating in the Harvest
Aveleda offers Vindim’art, the official harvest experience, which in 2025 takes place on Saturdays, September 6, 13, 20, and 27, from 10:00 to 18:30.
The program begins at the Welcome Center and invites participants to enjoy a full day in the heart of the vineyards: manual picking with traditional baskets, a harvest snack, bread-making workshop, visits to the Romantic Gardens and Adega Velha, regional tapas-style lunch, and a cultural-leisure activity.
Designed for families, enthusiasts, and wine lovers, the experience takes you from vine to glass, combining authenticity, gastronomy, and culture. It is a unique opportunity to celebrate the grape harvest in the Vinho Verde region, which usually takes place from mid-August to late September, depending on weather conditions.
Harvest in Portugal: A Living Tradition
Grape harvests in Portugal are an ancestral celebration that brings together families, friends, and communities.
At Aveleda, this celebration is elevated to an art form, where tradition, terroir, and innovation coexist to create wines that represent the best of the Vinho Verde region.
Whether you are visiting the country, planning a getaway to the north, or simply seeking new experiences, the harvest offers a chance to connect with nature and wine in an authentic way.
Written by Aveleda