The first weeks of the year are traditionally marked by the beginning of the Garibaldi grape harvest, as the harvest season is one of the most anticipated periods in Serra Gaúcha.
Certainly, due to the drought that has occurred in recent months, the outlook is that the 2020 harvest will be better than was projected a few weeks ago.
Furthermore, trucks are already beginning to transport loads of grapes to wineries in the urban area and in the interior of the municipality.
Production 2020
Fruit shipments are expected to continue moving until mid-March. This year, one of the biggest concerns for producers was drought.
However, excess or lack of rain is extremely important for the development of vines and the production of quality grapes.
Data released by producer cooperatives, in this way there are locations in Serra Gaucho in which there has been no substantial rainfall for more than 30 days.
Ricardo Morari, winemaker at Cooperativa Vinícola Garibaldi, states that even after receiving the harvest's grapes for the first time, optimism regarding the quality of the bunches has prevailed.
Although the grape harvest, all its festivities and possibilities of experiences take place between January and March.
During the summer season, there are several experiences on offer in Serra Gaúcha, but, without a doubt, the most popular is the one that provides real contact with wine culture.
According to Luciano Rebelatto, president of the Family Agriculture Union of Garibaldi, Boa Vista do Sul and Coronel Pilar, also vice-president of the Commission.
Despite the drought that severely affected production, a better harvest than projected is expected. A drop of 35% to 40% is still expected.
“We have had a lack of rain in recent days, which has ended up favoring and even speeding up the ripening of early grapes, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.”
However, they will harvest and tread the grapes, in addition to socializing and enjoying bread, salami, coppa, cheese, grostoli, sfregolá, and bruschetta.