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 “Provided that the weather remains dry and stable during the next few weeks, growers can take their time and wait for the optimal time to harvest. This bodes well for very aromatic and fruit-driven wines in all quality categories,” explains Monika Reule, managing director of the German Wine Institute/Mainz. She adds that the present weather pattern of warm days and cool nights is particularly conducive to the development of aromas.

The volume of this year’s crop is expected to lie somewhat below the long-term average of ten million hectoliters. The size of the past two vintages also tended in this direction. Cool weather during blossoming in early June resulted in reduced fruit set, and thus, a lower yield. Furthermore, heavy winter frost effected lower yields in the easternmost wine regions of Saale-Unstrut and Sachsen.

Early ripening varieties, such as Müller-Thurgau, as well as grapes destined for sparkling wine production, are currently being picked. In the weeks to come, the harvest of other white and red varietals will follow. Germany’s most important grape variety, Riesling, is by nature a late ripener and will not be harvested before the end of September.