As July draws to a close, the Stélaïa vineyards are transforming. The grape clusters are gradually changing color, the berries are softening, and the grapes are beginning to ripen. This essential stage in the vine’s cycle is known as « véraison » (or veraison).

This year, it is occurring about two weeks early, the result of a favorable spring and a particularly hot summer. It is a sign that nature is following its own rhythm—and that the harvest, too, is likely to arrive sooner.

The onset of ripening

Véraison marks the transition from a green grape to a fruit that begins to reveal its full potential.

Red grape varieties gradually take on crimson hues, while white varieties become more translucent and take on a golden glow. Inside the berries, sugars accumulate, acidity levels drop, and the first aromas begin to develop. It is a pivotal stage that will shape the balance and character of the future vintage.

A decisive period

During this phase, every vineyard plot is closely monitored. Ripening progresses at different rates depending on the grape variety, soil type, and exposure.

Our winegrowers inspect the grapes daily to determine the ideal harvest time, as just a few days can make all the difference in achieving perfectly ripe fruit.

The 2026 vintage is underway

Véraison is always a special moment. It rewards months of hard work in the vineyards and offers a glimpse of the promise held by the upcoming vintage.

At Stélaïa, we follow this evolution with passion, convinced that great wines are born long before the harvest begins. Today, the grapes are taking on their first colors; tomorrow, they will reveal the full richness of our Pic Saint-Loup terroir. We look forward to sharing the results of this new adventure with you in a few months’ time.