28/04/2026
Knowing when Pinot Noir is ready to harvest is a balance of science and instinct — and the best growers use both. For Home Hill the harvest will be happening very soon!
1. Start with the numbers.
Winemakers track sugar levels and check acidity, aiming for that sweet spot where freshness and ripeness are in balance.
2. Then taste the fruit.
The grapes should taste ripe and expressive, with flavours shifting from tart red fruits to deeper cherry, plum, or even earthy notes. The skins should no longer be harsh or bitter, and the seeds inside should be brown (not green) with a nutty taste.
3. Look at the vine.
Visual cues matter — the grapes will be deeply coloured, slightly softer to the touch, and the stems may begin to turn from green to woody. Leaves around the fruit zone can start to yellow as the vine redirects energy.
4. Watch the weather.
In regions like Tasmania, timing is crucial. Growers often pick just before rain to avoid dilution or disease, while still capturing ideal ripeness.
