Harvest in Portugal: A unique experience!
The month of September is traditionally known in Portugal as the grape harvest season, a celebration among friends and family, where everyone gathers to the sound of folk music and shares the experience of harvesting, followed by a well-deserved feast.
The grape harvest season celebrates the proof of resilience and victory: of man and grapes over climatic conditions, such as high or negative temperatures, frosts and hailstorms, and over common diseases and pests that affect the vines and prevent the grapes from growing; after all, it is the culmination of a whole year's work that is symbolically celebrated at that moment.
The history of the grape harvest as a moment of celebration dates back to antiquity and crossed several civilisations - in Egypt, scenes from earthly life were included in the funerary repertoire, as can be seen in the wall paintings in the tomb of Nakht in Thebes, c. 16-14 BC. -However, it was with the Greeks and Romans that this secular theme acquired a sacred character and transcendent symbolism.
In Greek mythology we can find representations of the God Dionysus (god of wine), and in Roman mythology of the God Bacchus (god of wine).
Traditionally, in Lusitanian lands, the grape harvest takes place between September and October, obviously depending on the summer temperatures. In fact, climate change has meant that the harvest starts earlier in some parts of the country, sometimes even in August, as the higher temperatures lead the grapes to reach the ideal ripeness point earlier.
It's in the Douro Valley that the harvest takes on a more traditional role, since due to the terraces all the picking has to be done by hand, the use of machines not being possible due to the typographical impediment.
In the regions where it is possible to use machines, there are some plots for the production of more complex wines that require manual harvesting.
Taking part in a grape harvest is therefore something special and unforgettable.
In the vineyards, this is a time of hard work, which often begins at dawn, especially when the heat is intense.
The bunches of grapes are harvested using the typical scissors and carefully placed in wicker baskets so that they can then be transported to the press.
At the end of the morning, lunch is served with the best delicacies from the region, always accompanied by good wines.
Following tradition, the grape treading follows, which must be synchronised between the participants, and finally the toast.
Proverbs related to the grape harvest:
"August ripe, September harvest."
"A vine that sprouts in April gives little wine for the barrel."
"Too much grape, not enough grape."
"Until the baskets are washed, it's harvest time."
With the arrival of the harvest season, harvest experiences are multiplying from the north to the south of the country. Although it is a typical activity in the north of Portugal, particularly in the Douro region, it also takes place in other regions of the country.
There are 13 wine-growing regions in Portugal (Douro, Bairrada, Dão, Alentejo, Madeira, etc.), which contribute to a variety of different grape varieties (red and white).
Each region has its own climate, soil, grape varieties and traditions. Regardless of the region, the grape harvest is an important annual event that should be experienced in full conviviality and celebration, a unique experience like travelling back in time.
