France's 2026 grape harvest has begun at an unprecedented pace across major wine regions, driven by a mild winter and a series of spring and early-summer heatwaves that accelerated vine maturation. In Champagne, picking is scheduled between 8 and 22 August, the earliest start ever recorded for the region, with grapes now harvested roughly two weeks earlier than two decades ago.
The early start masks significant damage: spring frost destroyed nearly 40 percent of vineyard buds in Champagne. To compensate, the French agriculture ministry has temporarily raised the limit on grape purchases from external suppliers from 5 to 15 percent. In Bordeaux, where harvesting began nearly two weeks earlier than last year, the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux expects small volumes but healthy vines. Cooperative Bordeaux Families has already mobilised 400 pickers for a three-week harvest.