Sugar Levels in Grape Vines

Grapevines have been part of agriculture since ancient Greece. The fruit, vines and leaves have been used a number of ways, from medicine to cooking. But it is in winemaking that the sugary grapes are most popular.

Growing

• The most important aspect in controlling the proper growth and ripeness of grapes is in balanced vines. There must be enough leaf coverage to prevent the berries from burning and inhibiting sugar levels, but not too many leaves so the grapes do not ripen. Sugar content increases during ripening.

Measuring

• Many viticulturists use a hydrometer is to measure the sugar content of grapes when they reach the ripening stage. The percentage of sugar in grapes is measured according to the Brix Scale. Grapes are customarily harvested when the sugar level is about 16 percent Brix.

Harvesting

• Ripe grapes will pull away from the stem easily while unripe grapes will not. Because they get more sunlight, grape bunches highest in the vine ripen first. Many experienced winemakers still rely on the taste of the grapes to determine their sugar levels and harvesting time.