With only about two weeks remaining, the team is nearing the finish line of what has been a dynamic and demanding season. By the time the last grapes are delivered to the cellar, Van Loveren Family Vineyards' harvest is expected to total approximately 12 500 tons.
The season began on a promising note, with early ripening blocks delivering fruit with excellent balance and vibrant flavour. As harvest progressed, however, the vineyards faced a period of unexpected rainfall that required careful vineyard management and constant monitoring. While some earlier varietals felt the pressure of the wet conditions, the later ripening grapes proved more resilient and are showing encouraging potential as they make their way into the cellar.
More recently, the Robertson Valley experienced a shift in weather patterns with intense heat waves sweeping through the region. These soaring temperatures added another layer of complexity to the harvest, demanding quick decision-making in the vineyards to ensure grapes were picked at optimal ripeness while preserving freshness and balance.
With more than 1 000 hectares of vineyards across the Robertson Valley, careful vineyard planning plays a vital role in navigating seasons like this one. Van Loveren’s extensive plantings allow specific clones to be matched to the most suitable soil types and vineyard sites, ensuring each block performs to its potential.
Despite the challenges, spirits at Van Loveren remain high. Harvest time is always a period of long days, early mornings and close collaboration between vineyard and cellar teams. From the first light of day as picking teams move through the vineyards, to the steady rhythm of grapes arriving at the cellar, the entire operation reflects the teamwork and dedication behind every bottle of wine.
To make space in the cellar for the remaining fruit still to arrive, Van Loveren has already bottled some of its first wines of the 2026 vintage, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Colombar. These early bottlings capture the fresh, vibrant character of the season’s first grapes.