Aurora Winery closed its 2026 harvest with 93 million kilograms of grapes — a 95-year record, 30% higher than 2025’s vintage.
Over three months — from late December through March — Cooperativa Vinícola Aurora processed a volume that surpassed even its previous record of 90 million kilograms, set in 2021. The 2026 harvest also topped the 2025 vintage by 30%, which had reached 71.6 million kilograms.
Ideal climate from start to finish
The outstanding result traces back to favorable weather conditions throughout the entire growing cycle. Agricultural manager Maurício Bonafé says the combination of factors drove performance well beyond expectations.
“This was a harvest about 8% above expectations. We had a very favorable climate cycle — a harsh winter, good chilling hours, no late frosts, and ideal conditions during flowering and plant development. The mild water shortage during the ripening period was also key to elevating grape quality.” — Maurício Bonafé, Agricultural Manager, Cooperativa Vinícola Aurora
Below-average temperatures during spring extended the cycle of early-ripening varieties. Strategic rainfall at key moments ensured balanced development across the vineyards. Meanwhile, the dry spell during harvest concentrated sugars in mid- and late-cycle red varieties, boosting the quality of future wines.
Quality matches the record volume
Beyond the impressive numbers, 2026 harvest quality met all expected benchmarks. Sugar levels and grape health were rated adequate across all product lines — sparkling wines, reds, and grape juices.
Grapes destined for sparkling wines showed balanced ripeness between sugar (Babo degree) and acidity. For red wines, reduced water availability promoted sugar concentration. Juice-grade grapes also maintained quality within the cooperative’s required standards.
Head winemaker Nauro José Morbini noted that the harsh 2025 winter and low rainfall delivered excellent vine health, enabling proper ripening and resulting in a vintage impressive in both volume and quality.
56 varieties, 1,100 families
Aurora currently cultivates 56 grape varieties across approximately 1,100 member families. Key varieties include Vitis vinifera grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, alongside American and hybrid varieties like Isabel, BRS Magna, Seibel, and Bordô.
Aurora’s harvest history (in kilograms)
- 2015 — 65.5 million
- 2016 — 33.6 million
- 2017 — 71.5 million
- 2018 — 61.8 million
- 2019 — 68.2 million
- 2020 — 61.9 million
- 2021 — 90 million (previous record)
- 2022 — 66 million
- 2023 — 70.5 million
- 2024 — 50.3 million
- 2025 — 71.6 million
- 2026 — 93 million (new all-time record)
Event Info
- Cooperative: Cooperativa Vinícola Aurora
- Harvest year: 2026
- Volume harvested: 93 million kilograms of grapes
- Harvest period: Late December 2025 through March 2026
- Member families: Approximately 1,100
- Grape varieties grown: 56
- More information: https://www.vinicolaaurora.com.br
