Night Harvesting Booms in Portugal's Alentejo as Summers Scorch
In Portugal's Alentejo region, Barbara Monteiro, co-owner of Herdade Da Fonte Santa vineyard, has pioneered night harvesting since 2019 to safeguard workers from extreme daytime heat. This practice, also adopted by some Spanish and Italian vineyards, is gaining traction as climate change brings longer, hotter summers.
Night harvesting, a traditional viticulture practice, has seen a resurgence due to climate change. In Portugal's Alentejo, daytime temperatures can soar to 40°C in August, dropping by up to 20°C at night. Foreman Vitor Lucas, 55, at Herdade Da Fonte Santa, prefers the cooler night temperatures, even on warm August nights. The vineyard's workers also favor the night schedule, allowing them to enjoy their days off in cooler conditions.
The harvest in this region typically ends in September or October, with cooler temperatures by then. However, night harvesting helps lock in vibrant flavors, improving the wine's quality. Monteiro started this practice in 2019, with some Spanish and Italian vineyards adopting it over a decade ago. As summers become more unpredictable, night harvesting is becoming more common in Portugal.
Night harvesting, once a traditional practice, is now a necessity in Portugal's Alentejo region due to climate change. Barbara Monteiro's initiative at Herdade Da Fonte Santa vineyard has improved worker conditions and wine quality. As summers become longer and hotter, more vineyards are expected to adopt this practice.
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