The 2025 harvest at Spy Valley has wrapped, and with it comes a deep sense of satisfaction from what can only be described as a near-textbook vintage. This season was a masterclass in patience, teamwork, and timing — with beautiful, clean fruit and a full winery to show for it.
The growing season began with steady and timely rainfall (392 mm from September to April), setting the vines up with excellent health and vigour. The weather remained cooperative throughout the summer, with consistent warmth (1246 GDD) and no significant heat spikes. Cool nights allowed for the preservation of natural acidity, while the slow, steady ripening promoted flavour development and balance across all varietals.
With no disease pressure and ideal ripening conditions, harvest unfolded with minimal stress and maximum reward.
Harvest commenced on 25 February with our Echelon Rosé bubbles. In early March, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were added to the action, along with the first of the Sauvignon Blanc. The main Sauvignon Blanc harvest began on 20 March, and by 10 April, the final fruit had been brought in.
A total of 2,229 tonnes was harvested, filling the winery to capacity. Despite a slower pace compared to the previous year, the fruit was brought in at optimal ripeness, clean and true to vineyard character.
The winery buzzed with activity, and during the height of Sauvignon fermentation, the aromas were truly sensational — a sign of the vintage's potential. The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc is already showing all the hallmarks we expect from each vineyard site, with portions aged in oak building lovely weight and texture as we approach blending in early June.
Aromatic parcels are currently resting on fine lees in both tank and oak, patiently awaiting their moment to be woven into final blends. Early signs point to wines with lifted aromatics, balanced acidity, and elegant texture — a classic Spy Valley profile.
Meanwhile, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are tucked away in barrel, slowly completing malolactic fermentation. Both are showing vibrant fruit character and promising intensity, suggesting strong releases ahead.
This vintage would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our team. With just one minor mechanical hiccup (quickly resolved with a replacement bearing), the vineyard crew kept operations running smoothly, even pulling together for three 24-hour harvest shifts to stay ahead of a rain event that fortunately never materialised.
With the fruit now safely in the winery, the baton passes to our winemaking team to craft the next chapter — and if early signs are anything to go by, the 2025 vintage will offer wines of purity, precision, and power.
It was a perfect, calm harvest, marked by clean fruit, steady ripening, and varietals showing great promise. With the winery now full and blending on the horizon, we are excited for what lies ahead. Here's to vintage 2025 — and many more to come with the Spy Valley team.
Visit our YouTube Channel for the 2025 Spy Valley harvest video:
www.youtube.com/@spyvalleywines
