Harvest 2026: Bukovyna Vine Completes the White-Grape Pick
The estate sums up its harvest: despite a hot summer, the white varieties kept fresh acidity and clean aromatics.
Bukovyna Vine Winery has completed the main phase of the 2026 harvest, bringing in its white varieties — Chardonnay, Riesling, Aligoté and Sauvignon Blanc. The season proved demanding: hot July weeks forced the team to watch sugar accumulation closely to preserve the berries' natural freshness. "We began picking a few days earlier than usual to catch the ideal balance of sugar and acidity," explains Tetiana Vynohronova. "The cool Bukovyna nights saved the aromatics." Fruit was transported for processing in small batches early in the morning, while the berries still held the night's chill. Early assessments point to high quality, though overall volume is slightly lower because of the dry August. The team places special hopes on the Shabo Riesling, which this year shows an expressive citrus-mineral profile. Part of the best fruit has been set aside for the base wines of traditional-method sparkling. The next stage will be picking the varieties for aged cuvées. The season's results confirm the estate's strategy: to work the Chernivtsi hillside terroir gently, betting on fresh, elegant white wines.
