The Hattingley Team Predicts: Our forecast for Harvest 2025
As the grapes begin to hang heavy and the air hums with the promise of harvest, there’s only one thing we know for certain: no two vintages are ever the same at Hattingley Valley. This year, we decided to turn to the real experts, our own vineyard and winery teams, for their predictions of what's to come for the months ahead.
So, grab a glass and settle in to enjoy the predictions from our team with their harvest forecasts for 2025.
Rob MacCulloch MW, Head Winemaker: Looking Ahead in the Winery
First up with his predictions is our Head Winemaker, Rob. Having kept a close eye on the vineyards all season, here’s his take on how things are shaping up for Harvest 2025.
How would you describe this year’s vintage so far?
It’s been a very encouraging growing season, with ripeness levels ahead of what we usually see. Despite the dry weather, the vines have coped well thanks to the groundwater reserves from the past two wet years. All in all, so far, it’s been a healthy, trouble-free season, something to really treasure.
Which grape variety is shaping up to be the overachiever this year?
Pinot Meunier. After a very small yield last year, it has bounced back strongly, great news for us, as we’re big fans. Along with Pinot Noir, the warm and dry weather means we should see riper red fruit flavours and deeper colours. I think 2025 could be a standout year for Rosé.
What challenges do you think the team might face in the winery this harvest?
Because so many varieties and sites are ripening steadily together, there’s a real chance everything could come in at once. That means the winery team may be pushed to the limit, fruit arriving in a rush, equipment under pressure, and everyone working at speed.
How early is this year’s harvest actually going to be?
The first fruit is likely to come in the week of 8th September, so harvest will be in progress by the time the harvest staff arrive on 15th September. At least that's the expectation but with the weather gods, who knows?
Colin Hayward, Vineyard Manager: Eyes on the Vines
Out in the vines, Colin has had his eye on every twist and turn of the growing season. Here’s how things are looking from the vineyard team’s perspective.
Has there been much disease pressure this year?
We’ve been lucky; disease pressure has been minimal. It’s a huge contrast to last year, when rain and humidity kept us on our toes. This season’s dry, settled weather has meant hardly any problems with fungal diseases like Powdery or Downy mildew, which makes life much easier for the team and sets us up well for harvest.
Are the vineyard team and volunteers ready for harvest?
Absolutely. We’ve done a little green harvesting to balance the crop, and now the fruit is in its final ripening stage. The vineyard team is set, and our volunteers, many of whom spend the whole year working in the vines, can’t wait. Harvest is always a special time for them: it’s when they finally get to pick the fruits of their labour, quite literally. Some of our regulars have been with us for over five years, so they are well-versed in the ins and outs. It’s a brilliant mix of teamwork, experience, and excitement at the moment.
Will Beasley, Client Winemaker: Welcoming the New Harvest Crew
What are your thoughts on the fresh crop of harvest team members this year, having recruited them?
We’re excited to welcome them. They look like an experienced bunch, with some having five or more harvests already under their belts. It’s always brilliant to bring in people from further afield too. This year, we’ve got recruits from as far as Australia and New Zealand, who are sure to have plenty of their own harvest stories to share.
Claudia Lopes, Laboratory & Quality Control Manager: Teamwork Makes the Vintage Work
How do you think our permanent staff will handle the harvest pressure this year?
When the team works well together, everything else runs much more smoothly, and this year, I honestly think our production team is in the best place it’s ever been. The mix of experienced old timers and newer team members gives us real strength, and our communication and organisation are excellent going into harvest. Everyone genuinely gets on and supports each other, which makes a huge difference when the pressure is on.
James Crabb: Cellarmaster: Forklift Fumbles & Harvest Fashion
Who do you predict will drop a pallet of grapes on the forklift this year?
Haha, it may be me again!
As the winery trend setter, what do you think will be this year’s harvest fashion?
Well, last year was all about the moustache and mullet, so perhaps a goatee this year? Or maybe a short shorts and vest top combo, always a classic!
Viktor Krug, Logistics & Production Coordinator: Predictions from the Lunch Room
What's your top guess for the best harvest lunch this year?
Jo and Katharine always do a fantastic job feeding the whole team; it’s a real mission in itself during harvest! My personal favourite has to be fajitas, which are always a crowd pleaser in the lunch room. That said, last year’s paella was a real hit too, cooked in a huge pan with plenty of drama! We’ll have to wait and see this year, but whatever it is, it’s bound to be delicious.
Looking Forward to Harvest 2025
As Harvest 2025 approaches, one thing is clear: it’s not just the grapes that make a vintage, but the people who nurture them from grape to glass. From the vineyard to the winery, every member of Team Hattingley brings expertise, enthusiasm, and a healthy dose of humour to the season.
Want to see how our predictions stack up? Follow along with us on social media and stay tuned for our Harvest Vintage Report (read last years here), where we’ll check back on the predictions, share our highlights from the vineyards, and reveal the stories behind this year’s vintage. Don’t miss it, the harvest adventure is just beginning!
