Vendange

Vendange designates the grape harvest, a key stage in wine production that generally unfolds between late August and late October in the Northern hemisphere, depending on grape variety, maturity and climate. Vendange can be manual, required for grand crus and sparkling wines, or mechanical, faster but less selective. Vendange dates and rules are regulated by each appellation INAO. A late harvest (vendange tardive) designates grapes harvested very late to concentrate sugars, a technique typical of sweet wines (Sauternes, Tokay, German Spatlese). Vendange vintages mark the wine list (Source: INAO, 2026).