Veraison
/veh-RAY-zon/The onset of ripening when grapes change color.
Full Definition
Veraison marks the beginning of grape ripening, when berries soften, accumulate sugar, lose acidity, and change color - red varieties turn from green to purple, whites become golden. It occurs 40-50 days before harvest. Uneven veraison indicates vine stress or disease. After veraison, water stress increases concentration.