Harvest 2024: A Family Adventure in the Douro
By: van Zeller Family
17 December, 2024
The 2024 harvest was a true celebration of the Douro, filled with stories to tell and, of course, a lot of teamwork. Under the vision of our chief winemaker, Cristiano van Zeller, everything was guided with the care and expertise that define Van Zellers & Co. By his side, as always, was Joana Pinhão, who has been Cristiano’s right-hand in winemaking since 2008 and knows each vineyard like the back of her hand.
This year, we had an exciting first: João van Zeller, in his debut harvest, fully immersed himself in the experience, learning and contributing with youthful energy. Meanwhile, Francisca, a harvest veteran, was once again present, offering essential support to ensure everything ran smoothly. And, of course, Francisco Pinto was there with his keen eye, ready to ensure no detail was overlooked.
The Climate: Nature Challenging Us (as Always)
The year began with a warm and rainy winter—the kind of conditions that make the vines smile and grow healthy. March brought a deluge that gave us some headaches, but April warmed things up and brought a dose of optimism for the rest of the cycle. Summer was marked by the typical Douro heat and dryness, but September delivered milder temperatures, giving the grapes the time they needed to achieve perfect balance.
Work, Laughter, and Achievements
The harvest is always an intense moment, but it’s also filled with camaraderie and celebration. This year, we faced minor challenges—pests like the grape moth and scale insects made their appearance—but nothing our team couldn’t handle with expertise. After all, at Van Zellers & Co, we know every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve
The Result: Wines that Tell Stories
With grapes in excellent phytosanitary condition and production above average, the 2024 harvest already promises wines that will be unforgettable. Each bunch harvested is another piece of a puzzle that results in authentic wines, imbued with the soul of the Douro and the signature of our team.
This year’s harvest was special—not just for what we gathered, but for what we experienced together. This is how Van Zellers & Co continues to transform hard work into legacy, always with a touch of passion, humor, and, of course, a glass of wine in hand to celebrate
