During these days, grapes accumulate several components as sugar, acid and other elements which are responsible of colour, taste and structure of the wines. The skin not only changes the colour but also it becomes thinner and softer. At the same time, branches become harder and get and brown- grey colour.

Not long ago, tasting of grapes in the vineyards was the usual method for farmers to decide the date for the harvest. Nowadays, there are stricter and more sophisticated methods to control this parameter that helps determine the health status and the optimal state of maturation.

In several cities, the end of the maturation cycle is celebrated with a party. One of the most famous is celebrated in Chateauneuf- du – Pape in France during the first week of August.