Wine harvesting is the process of gathering ripe grapes from vineyards to produce wine. This typically occurs in late summer to early fall, depending on the grape variety and climate. Harvesting can be done by hand or with machines, with hand-picking often preferred for quality wines. After harvesting, the grapes are sorted and transported to a winery for processing. The grapes are then crushed, and the juice is extracted to begin fermentation. This crucial step in winemaking influences the flavor and quality of the final product, making careful harvesting essential for successful wine production.