8 key moments of the grape you’ll witness in the vineyard
2025.05.15
Throughout the year, the vineyard undergoes a fascinating and cyclical transformation that completely changes both the landscape and the vine itself. Each season paints a different picture, but it’s between spring and the harvest, in late summer, when the vine most vividly reveals its evolution: it buds, blossoms, sets fruit, and nurtures each grape until it reaches perfect ripeness. This is also when we get to see the true star of winemaking up close — the grape.
If you visit us in spring or summer, you’ll witness some of the most magical moments in the vine’s life cycle in a privileged spot: among vineyards planted in Sauló soil and overlooking the sea. A wine tourism experience near Barcelona that connects nature, terroir, and wine culture.
- Closed flowers
As spring arrives, the dormant winter buds awaken and begin to grow. The first leaves appear, and tiny flower clusters start to form — the early promise of what will become full grape bunches. - Flowering
With warmer weather, the buds open into delicate flowers. It’s a fragile moment: the vine needs calm, stable conditions to ensure successful pollination. - Fruit Set
Once the flowers are pollinated, they turn into tiny berries. This stage, known as fruit set, determines how many grapes each cluster will carry — and ultimately, the potential of the harvest. - Berries pea-size
The berries grow rapidly, reaching the size of a pea. At this point, they’re still firm and bright green. The vine channels its energy into helping the fruit develop properly. - Bunch Closure
The grapes continue to grow, and the bunches take on their familiar shape — still green and tightly packed. The vine is now balancing vigorous growth with fruit development. - Veraison
Around mid-summer, the grapes begin to change color — red varieties turn purple or blue, while white grapes shift to golden hues. This change, called veraison, marks the start of the ripening process. - Berry ripening
The grapes soften and develop their final balance of sugars, acidity, aromas, and flavors. When they reach the ideal moment, we begin harvesting — always by hand, and selecting the grapes. - Harvest
Harvest is the culmination of the year’s work. Once the grapes have reached their ideal ripeness according to the wine we aim to produce, they are hand-picked into small boxes, plot by plot, to preserve their quality and expression. Each harvest marks the start of a unique wine or cava — a true reflection of its origin and its year.
Come and experience this magical moment in the vineyard!
Book your visit and witness the grape’s transformation — a natural spectacle that only spring and summer can offer. We look forward to welcoming you to Alta Alella for an unforgettable experience.
