The first grapes of the early-ripening variety Solaris were picked in the Pfalz region in Germany today, 18 August, for the production of white must. According to the German Wine Institute, the main harvest of grapes destined for winemaking as such is not likely to start before mid-September.

"The conditions for a good 2010 wine harvest are in place, based on the current stage of vine development", said DWI spokesperson Ernst Büscher. In many growing regions, the cool weather during flowering led to a reduced fruit-set. The expectations are that overall an average-sized harvest volume of around nine million hectolitres is likely to be achieved.

Photo: Pfalz wine princess Andrea Schick (left) and the Mussbach wine queen Mona Bäder (photo: DWI, Copyright: DWI)
(WF/press release)