Which of the following is an advantage of machine harvesting?

• A. Grapes can be harvested at night and kept up to 15°C cooler
• B. Not used in modern viticulture
• C. It always yields higher sugar content
• D. It is illegal in several regions

Answer: (A)

Temperature management during harvest is a key factor in grape quality. Machine harvesting enables picking during cooler periods, including at night, which keeps fruit substantially cooler—often about 15°C cooler than daytime harvest. This cooler window slows respiration and helps preserve acidity, aromatic compounds, and overall freshness, reducing heat-related stress and deterioration as the fruit moves to the winery. That combination—the ability to harvest when temperatures are lower and to keep the berries cooler—is a clear advantage for maintaining grape quality and consistency in processing.

The other statements don’t fit because modern viticulture widely uses machine harvesting, sugar content isn’t guaranteed to be higher with mechanical picking (it depends on ripeness and vineyard practices), and machine harvesting is not illegal in regions where it’s practiced.