The green light for harvest was given yesterday and we began with the young Merlot vines. After the Primeurs, harvest is the other hectic period of our year. Indeed, professionals and wine lovers around the world are closely following the quality of the grapes, which will determine the quality of the upcoming vintage...
In order for the next 3 weeks go smoothly, preparations are intense and the organization is carefully orchestrated!

In the vineyard, our team of harvesters is provided with not less than 6 tractors, 1,500 crates, 150 coops (pruning sheers) and 35 harnesses for the porters.
The team itself is made up of 130 motivated souls: 15 vignerons and vigneronnes, as well as 72 Danish students and 37 Belgian students accompanied by their professors, who are expected to arrive next Monday.

In the harvest reception area we have set up 1 vibrating separating table, 1 separating table for the bunches, 1 machine that picks grapes off the bunch, 1 separating table for the berries, 1 crusher, and, not to be forgotten, 40 nimble hands to separate the berries.
 
Finally, in the winery: 50 tanks were meticulously cleaned, 20 automatic sprinklers were installed and programmed, and 300 new French oak barrels are being prepared.
 

And let's not forget the 6 tents put in place especially for harvest in order to shelter the reception area and the dining hall for this big family.

It's the beginning of the wonderful adventure of Chateau Palmer's 2010 Vintage. Stay tuned for the next episode!