Europe's summer heatwaves have not gone unnoticed. For winegrowers, however, it is not only the heat itself that can pose challenges for the vine, but also the drought and water shortages that often accompany it. Grapevines are relatively resilient plants and can withstand dry conditions better than many other agricultural crops, but they do have their limits. Prolonged periods of heat and drought can cause the vine to shut down, enter a state of dormancy, or even die. Yields are also reduced, as less water is available for the grapes themselves.

Harvest Season

In many wine regions, harvest season is already underway, and its start date has steadily moved earlier over recent years. A number of factors must be considered when assessing grape ripeness before harvest, which is why picking earlier is not always the ideal solution. Armed with experience and growing knowledge, winemakers have become increasingly successful at adapting to the forces of nature, allowing us to enjoy wines that are less dramatically affected by annual weather fluctuations than they were decades ago. As a result, vineyard management has become more important than ever, ensuring that the work carried out in the winery is more precise and ultimately reflected in the quality of the wine that ends up in our glass.

When determining the harvest date, producers must consider factors such as sugar levels and acidity in the grapes, as well as the ripeness of the skins. Skin ripeness plays a crucial role in the flavour intensity of the wines and in the structure of their tannins. Faster ripening is therefore not necessarily better. By creating shade and protecting the grapes from excessive sunlight, growers can slow the ripening process. The way vines are pruned and trained can also have a significant impact. Equally important is monitoring soil moisture levels and, where regulations permit, taking appropriate measures to address water shortages.

Wildfires

Heat and drought are not the only challenges winegrowers have faced. Wildfires have also affected many parts of France, Spain and Greece. In Bordeaux, the fires appeared to have a greater impact on forested areas than on vineyards, although there is always a risk that smoke may influence the flavour profile of red wines. The greatest damage caused by the wildfires, however, has been their impact on the people working in the wine industry and the conditions under which they must work.

Winemakers face countless challenges every year, and 2026 was no exception. Some wines from the 2026 vintage in the Northern Hemisphere are unlikely to appear on the shelves of wine retailers until after Christmas, while others may not be released for many more months or even years.

Enjoy! 

Berglind Helgadóttir DipWSET
Wine expert