The grapes have been picked, the fermenters are bubbling away, and another Ivanhoe Wines vintage is in the books! The 2025 harvest at Ivanhoe Wines has officially wrapped up, marking the end of weeks of early mornings, late nights (sometimes all night!), and tireless work in the summer heat. As always, vintage is a time of excitement, anticipation, and, yes—a fair bit of sweat! Here’s how it played out…
The Harvest Begins
Our first day of picking kicked off on 22nd January, with the Traminer, Chardonnay, and Verdelho leading the charge. These early-ripening whites reached their perfect balance of ripeness and acidity, making them ideal for crafting crisp, vibrant wines. Just a few days later, on 25th January, we brought in our Semillon, a Hunter Valley classic that promises to be another stellar release.
From there, attention turned to our reds. The Chambourcin and a portion of the Shiraz were carefully picked on Sunday, 9th February, with the final push coming on Monday, 10th February. That final 24 hours was a whirlwind of machine harvesting and hand-picking, ensuring we captured our reds at their peak. And the moment we saw the Chambourcin juice running from the crusher—literally violet in colour—we knew this vintage was going to be something special.
What to Expect from Vintage 2025
While it’s still early days, the quality of this year’s fruit has us very excited about what’s to come:
Whites – Expect flavoursome, beautifully balanced wines with fresh acidity that will develop complexity as they age.
Reds – We’re looking forward to producing classic Hunter Valley styles, with medium to full-bodied richness, deep colour, and wonderful flavour.
Now, the real magic begins in the winery, where our winemaking team will nurture each variety into the stunning wines you know and love.
When Will the 2025 Wines Be Ready?
Patience is key in the winemaking process! Here’s when you can expect to see the 2025 vintage in your glass:
Whites – Late 2025/early 2026
Reds – Late 2026, after time in oak to develop their full character
In the meantime, our 2024 whites are becoming available now, while the 2024 reds will be released next year. Our 2023 reds are currently available to members in club packs and will be arriving in the cellar door by mid-year—stay tuned! So, there’s plenty to enjoy while we eagerly await the next great vintage!
A Toast to Another Great Vintage
Vintage is always one of the busiest yet most rewarding times of the year. While the long hours and hard work may be behind us, the journey for the 2025 vintage has only just begun. We can’t wait to share these wines with you in the coming years, and we’re so grateful for your ongoing support.
Planning a trip to the Hunter Valley? Book a tasting at Ivanhoe Wines online and be among the first to experience our 2023 releases—with whites available now and reds arriving in the coming months. It’s the perfect way to savour the latest vintage and toast to another fantastic Hunter Valley harvest!