The most exciting time of the year has arrived at Ridgeback—harvest season is officially underway! The vineyards are alive with activity as our team carefully brings in the fruit that will define the next vintage. Every bunch picked, every tank filled, and every barrel set to ferment is part of the meticulous craft that transforms grapes into Ridgeback’s signature wines.
The Art of Harvesting
Harvest isn’t just about picking ripe grapes—it’s a precise process that requires patience, skill, and a deep understanding of how each vineyard block develops. Timing is everything. Pick too early, and the wine lacks depth; wait too long, and the fruit loses its balance of acidity and flavour.
This year, Viognier has taken centre stage. Ridgeback’s winemaker, Toit Wessels, shares insights into how this delicate white varietal is harvested in stages:
“We first work through the vineyard and remove tiny ripe bunches, then move on to the medium-sized ones, and finally the larger clusters. Each portion brings a specific set of flavours and characteristics that add to the complexity of the final blend.”
Once harvested, the Viognier begins its transformation. The grapes are first settled in tanks before being transferred to barrels in the cellar, where natural fermentation takes place. Instead of using commercial yeasts, we allow the wild yeasts present in the vineyard to do the work, creating a wine that is truly expressive of its terroir.
Why Paarl’s Terroir is Perfect for Winemaking
Paarl’s climate and soils play a crucial role in shaping Ridgeback’s wines. With long, sun-drenched days and cooling evening breezes, the grapes ripen evenly while retaining their natural acidity. The region’s diverse soil types, ranging from granite to shale, provide unique growing conditions that influence the depth, structure, and complexity of each wine.
From Vineyard to Cellar
Once the grapes arrive at the cellar, the real magic begins. The fermentation process is carefully monitored to ensure optimal extraction of flavours, textures, and aromas. Whether it’s the elegant Viognier or the bold reds still waiting to be picked, each wine undergoes a journey of meticulous care before it reaches the bottle.
Join Us in Celebrating the Harvest
The best way to experience the excitement of harvest? Come visit us! This season, we’re inviting you to raise a glass to the fruits of our labour with some incredible experiences at Ridgeback:
🍾 Drinks on Deck – Every Friday & Saturday from 16:00-18:00, enjoy a platter with a complimentary glass of Mischief for just R295. Pay for one tasting and get one free!
As the harvest continues, we’re reminded that winemaking is a journey—one that starts in the vineyard, guided by passion and shaped by the land. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue crafting the wines that define Ridgeback.
Cheers to the 2025 harvest! 🥂
