September Harvest

The mornings are crisp all of a sudden. The days are still hot. The harvest, of just about everything, is in full swing. I went for a walk and followed the smell of a skip full to the brim of grape skins before I stepped into the leaking juice running down the road. At the Coteaux d’Aix wine harvest festival in Lambesc …Continue reading here

The Grape Harvest in Provence

When do we know the grapes are ready?

We know it from tasting. We analyze the sweetness, texture, and acidity. The winegrower’s knowledge and experience are therefore closely linked to the choice to start the harvest. We also send samples to laboratories for further analysis. All parameters are checked, but instinct will always prevail over test results.

Quand sait-on que le raisin est prêt ?

Nous le savons à la dégustation. Nous analysons la sucrosité, la texture et l’acidité. Le choix de commencer les vendanges est donc étroitement lié à la connaissance du vigneron et son expérience. Nous envoyons aussi les échantillons à des laboratoires qui font des analyses plus poussées. Tous les paramètres sont vérifiés. Mais l’instinct prédominera toujours sur les résultats d’analyse.

Grape Harvest Information (Bilingual Article)

Ashley Tinker

Ashley was born and raised in Montréal, Canada. She has always been drawn to the history, way of life and beauty of Europe. Her feelings for Europe were reconfirmed while studying art in Florence, Italy. Ashley says that stone buildings, colourful shutters and terra cotta tile rooftops fill her dreams and now her days.

Ashley moved to Provence in 2014 with her partner Robin (he also shares her Francophile passions). They are in search of the French joie de vivre, which they find at every turn in the local markets and natural beauty of Provence. This couple are indulging in local olives and wine as the Provencal sunshine changes craggy rocks into things of beauty.

You can see all of Ashley's blog posts on Curious Provence.

Take a look at Ashley's beautiful fine art photography on her Photographer in Provence website.