A few days ahead of schedule, the 2025 grape harvest officially begins in Italy. The first pruning cuts are underway in the vineyards of Cantine Ermes, the largest Italian cooperative in the winemaking sector by certified organic acreage. The first bunches of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Viognier, and grapes destined for sparkling wine were harvested on the morning of July 17th from the vines of western Sicily, marking the beginning of a campaign that promises to be challenging but promising.
“The harvest represents the most delicate and symbolic moment of our work,” explains President Rosario Di Maria. “A time that demands concentration, sensitivity, and a clear vision of our objectives. Thanks to the great work of our members and technicians, we are approaching this new campaign with team spirit, respect for the environment, and the awareness of being part of an evolving supply chain that remains anchored to the principles of sustainability, quality, and cooperation.”
The harvest will now gradually extend to Puglia, Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, and Lombardy, confirming the group’s multi-regional vocation and the strategic value of Cantine Ermes’ cooperative organization.
What a 2025 harvest will be for Cantine Ermes, from Sicily to Veneto?
Cantine Ermes, with over 14,394 hectares of vineyards and more than 2,700 members in six Italian regions, is today one of the leading winemaking companies in Italy.
The cooperative’s flagship is its organic extension, which, with over 3,118 hectares, represents one of the largest certified organic vineyards in Italy. This leadership translates into responsible agronomic choices, integrated sustainability protocols, and ongoing innovations in winemaking and packaging.
The cooperative’s 2025 harvest began with favorable weather conditions, despite the challenges associated with the seasonal instability that characterized late spring. The early varieties—harvested already in these first few days—show a good balance between sugars and acidity, thanks to the constant ventilation and temperature ranges in the hilly areas.
Forecasts are cautiously optimistic for the white grape varieties, particularly Grillo and Catarratto in Sicily and Glera in Veneto. Quantitatively, the data recorded in the relevant territories confirm a return to normality, with an average estimate of between 70 and 90 quintals per hectare, in line with harvests over the last 10 years.
“We expect an excellent aromatic expression for our whites,” continues President Di Maria, commenting on the start of the 2025 harvest. “It’s still early to predict overall numbers, but we can say with certainty that quality is at the heart of every decision we make, from vineyard management to harvest timing, all the way through to winemaking. Our challenge is to ensure a virtuous balance between quantity, healthiness, and territorial identity.”
Cantine Ermes’ 2025 harvest plan is based on close coordination between the various operational units, with a centralized traceability and quality control system, supported by a significant investment in communication and transparency. Among the actions already planned: promotional campaigns in foreign markets, training sessions for members, and a calendar of wine tourism events in the vineyard and cellar to strengthen the connection between consumers and production.
