Harvest timing is a critical factor in viticulture, as it directly influences grape composition and, consequently, wine quality. This study evaluated the effects of harvest timing on the physical and chemical traits of two widely cultivated grape varieties from the Trebinje vineyard area, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Basic chemical parameters (total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity) were measured alongside cluster and berry traits, including length, width, and weight of clusters; the number and weight of berries; the skin and flesh weight of 100 berries; and the number and weigh of seeds. Early-harvested grapes showed greater cluster weight but lower total soluble solids, higher titratable acidity, and lower pH compared to later harvests in both cultivars. Changes in cluster and berry traits were more pronounced in ‘Vranac’, where berry weight, skin and flesh mass increased significantly at later harvests, however, in ‘Žilavka’ only the seed weight was notably affected. Across all harvests period, ‘Žilavka’ consistently exhibited higher total soluble solids and lower pH values than ‘Vranac’, indicating a strong varietal effect on grape quality. These findings highlight that delaying harvest within the recommended window can enhance grape composition, while varietal differences determine the extent of morphological and chemical changes during ripening.

Fruit spirits must have an aroma of the raw material, which is balanced by ethanol.  Since many aroma compounds are more soluble in ethanol than in water, ethanol is the most important carrier of aroma compounds. The alcohol concentration seems to be crucial for the sensory profile of spirits. Alcohol content of 40% vol is the standard alcoholic strength of fruit spirits. Regulations specify a minimum alcohol content of 37.5% vol. However, ethanol reduction can result in change in sensory profile of spirits. The aim of this research is to determine whether lowering the alcohol content of spirits may make them less acceptable to customers. On this occasion, 5 pairs of fruit spirits were sensory tested: pear, plum, apple, raspberry, and grape spirits, each with a commercial and reduced alcohol concentration to 37.5% vol. The results showed that customers can recognize the difference in alcohol content of fruit spirits and dilution to lower alcohol content led to decreasing aroma for all tastes fruit spirits.  However, typicality and intensity of fruit odour and the overall note of the spirits, were very similar perceived for Williams, plum and grape spirits whereas apple and raspberry spirits showed better characteristic at higher alcohol content.