Edition of August 19, 2026

Bordeaux begins its 2026 grape harvest nearly 15 days ahead of last year

Bordeaux began its 2026 grape harvest nearly 15 days earlier than in 2025, with sparkling wine vineyards opening the season. French media said it could be the earliest harvest ever recorded in Bordeaux.

Source: Vinetur The Vintage

Smoke Over Bordeaux: Is the 2026 Vintage at Risk?

Wildfire smoke over Bordeaux could threaten the 2026 vintage, according to Falstaff.

Source: Falstaff The VintageCritics and Scores

Burgundy overtook Bordeaux as the top-traded fine wine region by value in July.

In July, Burgundy overtook Bordeaux as the most traded fine wine region by value for the first time since 2022, according to Liv-ex. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Ramonet, Leflaive and d’Auvenay accounted for about one-third of Burgundy’s trade.

Source: vinetur.com The Fine Wine Market

Wildfires deal a "double blow" to Bordeaux's tourism and wine industry.

Wildfires in southwest France have hit Bordeaux’s tourism and wine industries, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate and damaging thousands of hectares of forest. Visitor numbers fell during the summer, leaving hotels, restaurants, shops and wineries in Gironde with fewer customers.

Source: vietnam.vn The VintageVisiting Bordeaux

French merchant SoDivin lists classified Bordeaux growths up to €2,375

On August 11, 2026, French merchant SoDivin listed classified Bordeaux growths from the 2021 to 1982 vintages, priced up to €2,375. The offer included 11 bottles of Mouton Rothschild 1982 at €1,525 each.

Source: Vinetur Château Mouton Rothschild The VintageRules and Classifications