The concept of “grape season” refers to the window when fresh, high-quality table grapes are harvested and most readily available. Grapes are a non-climacteric fruit, meaning they do not continue to ripen or increase in sugar content after being picked from the vine. Therefore, the season represents the time when the fruit reaches its peak sweetness, texture, and flavor before being shipped. Understanding the harvest cycle helps consumers know when to expect the freshest grapes, though regional climates and global supply chains provide a continuous, year-round supply.
The Primary North American Grape Season
The main domestic harvest for table grapes in the United States and Canada occurs during the warmer months of the year. This primary North American season typically begins in the late spring and extends well into the autumn, with a peak window generally running from August through October. The vast majority of commercially grown table grapes in the U.S. originate from California, which dictates the schedule for the domestic market.
California’s harvest is staggered across two primary regions to extend the supply window. The season starts around mid-May in the warmer Coachella Valley of Southern California. By early to mid-July, the harvest shifts northward to the expansive Central Valley, specifically the San Joaquin Valley. This northern region accounts for the largest volume of grapes and continues harvesting into the autumn months, sometimes stretching availability into December.
Arizona and Washington also contribute to the domestic supply. Arizona provides grapes during June and July, bridging the gap between the initial Coachella Valley crop and the main Central Valley supply. Washington contributes during the late summer and early fall. This coordinated domestic effort ensures a steady flow of grapes for over half the year.
Geographic Impact on Year-Round Availability
Despite the domestic season concluding in the late fall, consumers find grapes available year-round due to a robust global supply chain utilizing the counter-seasonal growing cycle of the Southern Hemisphere. When the Northern Hemisphere transitions into winter, the Southern Hemisphere is entering its summer harvest season. The main counter-seasonal suppliers include Peru, Chile, and South Africa.
Harvest typically begins in the late calendar year, often starting in Peru as early as November. This timing allows imported grapes to seamlessly replace the domestic supply as California’s harvest concludes. Production continues through the Northern Hemisphere’s winter and spring, with major volumes arriving through February and March. This system ensures consistent twelve-month availability for fresh table grapes.
Identifying Peak Freshness and Storage
Selecting the freshest grapes involves examining a few key physical characteristics. The berries should be plump, firm, and show a rich, uniform color for their variety; soft, wrinkled, or shriveled grapes should be avoided. A significant indicator of freshness is the condition of the stem, known as the rachis. Grapes should be firmly attached to green, flexible stems, as brittle or brown stems suggest the fruit has been off the vine too long.
Many varieties also exhibit a natural, dusty white coating called “bloom” on the skin, which is a sign of minimal handling and helps protect the fruit. Proper storage is necessary to maintain quality, as grapes do not improve after picking. Grapes should be stored unwashed in the refrigerator at a low temperature, ideally around 32°F, with high humidity. Washing before storage is detrimental because the added moisture encourages spoilage and removes the protective bloom.