Cognac Harvest

The Cognac grape harvest, a pivotal event in the Cognac region of France, unfolds annually from mid-September to mid-October, marking the start of the spirit’s production cycle. Primarily featuring Ugni Blanc grapes, alongside smaller amounts of Folle Blanche and Colombard, the harvest spans the six crus—Grande Champagne to Bois Ordinaires—where chalky soils and mild climates shape their distinct flavors. Grapes are hand- or machine-picked at peak acidity and low sugar levels, then swiftly pressed to extract juice, avoiding skin contact to preserve clarity for fermentation. This labor-intensive process, unchanged for centuries in its essence, fuels the creation of eau-de-vie, with strict regulations ensuring no sugar is added, capturing the raw terroir that matures into cognac after distillation and oak aging. Festivities like the Fête du Cognac later celebrate this harvest’s fruits.