We're at the high point of the year at Quinta da Raza, harvesting the fruits of long months of hard work and dedication. I'm sure you're all curious about what to expect from the 2020 harvest and how our Vinho Verde wines will fare. We've lifted the veil a little. 

Expectations are high and we're very excited about this harvest! At Quinta da Raza, after the initial anxiety, as flowering took place around 10 days earlier than usual, fears were allayed as the grapes grew healthily and steadily. 

The mild weather in Celorico de Basto during July and August contributed to an exceptional final ripening period for the grapes. We hope that, with this panorama, the result of the wines will reflect the serenity and balance with which nature has graced the Quinta da Raza vineyards . 

The continued good weather during the harvest is allowing the natural freshness characteristic of this region's grapes to be maintained and will enhance the aromatic profile of the Vinho Verde wines.  

The grape harvest is one of the highlights of the year at all the Quintas, as it is the moment when the results of the hard work that has gone into the vineyards' growth over several months begin to emerge. In 2020, the average production per vineyard is slightly down on other years, but the increase in planted area helps to maintain the quantities produced in previous years.  

Which grape varieties could be the biggest stars of the year? 

From what we can tell so far, by analyzing the maturation controls and the musts already in the cellar, Quinta da Raza's vinho verde wines are on a great path. "We're very happy with all the grape varieties! However, we have seen that the freshness, aromas and balance perceived in the Alvarinho, Avesso, Arinto and Azal varieties are exceeding our expectations," says Pedro Campos, winemaker at Quinta da Raza.

We still have a few weeks of harvesting ahead of us and the entire team of local harvesters is working hard, with motivation running high, always keeping in mind respect for their own health and that of others. At this stage, there's no rush, as the different grape varieties must be harvested at the exact point of ripeness!  

In the cellar, the experienced and dedicated employees smell the fermentation with a smile on their lips, recalling the annual joy of seeing the result of hard work safely stored away. 

There's still a long way to go. At Quinta da Raza we are very respectful of the old maxim that "the harvest isn't over until the baskets are washed", but the truth is that, as a result of our experience, we are very excited about 2020 and the excellent year of wine!