Picking grapes before rain comes

[Charlie Davis]

Picking Cabernet franc today with only 20 brick because we are getting 15 straight days of rain. What do others do when rain is coming?

 

[ibglowin]

Don't know what your GDD numbers are for North Carolina but it would seem like you would have time to wait it out and let things dry out a bit. More hang time is especially good if you have not reached full ripeness. Do you have a pH number? That would be a big number to know.

Also Cab Franc is notorious for tasting/smelling like green bell pepper if picked early and not fully ripened so unless your intend to use this as a blending component for your wine if its not fully ripened your gonna get a massive amount of that green bell pepper note.

 

[Ohio Bob]

You may want to investigate yeasts that are recommended for under ripe fruit. I don’t grow grapes but I’ve seen the yeast guide at Morewine has some recommendations.

 

[Hazelemere]

Picking Cabernet franc today with only 20 brick because we are getting 15 straight days of rain. What do others do when rain is coming?

same as you or cover with wall insulation mylar plastic. 20 brix is not great but its ok. You can also make a rose from it.