Three Days of Activities at the 19th Monterrei Wine Fair
05/08/2026
The Monterrei Designation of Origin will begin its 2026 grape harvest campaign this Monday, 17 August, marking the start of one of the most important periods in the wine-growing calendar of the region.
The first winery to begin grape harvesting will be Castro de Lobarzán, located in the village of Villaza, in the municipality of Monterrei. This marks the beginning of a campaign during which winegrowers and wineries will carry out the harvesting and selection of grapes over the coming weeks for the production of wines covered by the Monterrei PDO.
The harvest is a key moment in determining the quality and characteristics of the wines of the upcoming vintage. During this period, monitoring grape ripening and selecting the optimal harvesting time are essential to preserve the distinctive qualities of the varieties grown within the protected area.
The climatic conditions recorded during this phenological cycle, marked by high temperatures, scarce rainfall and a notable difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, have favoured optimal grape ripening, resulting in an excellent balance between alcohol content and acidity.
The 2026 harvest also presents an excellent phytosanitary condition. The smaller size of the grapes results in a higher skin-to-must ratio, which favours a greater concentration of aromatic compounds and polyphenols and, consequently, the production of wines with great intensity, structure and expressiveness.
