Edition of August 27, 2026

France Wine Harvest: Bordeaux races to pick as heat reshapes the vintage

Bordeaux growers are accelerating the 2026 harvest as a hot, dry summer brings an unusually early French harvest, with grapes smaller than usual.

Source: news.cgtn.com The VintageVineyard and Cellar

European Heritage Days open up the behind-the-scenes of the Bordeaux vineyard

European Heritage Days will offer exceptional visits and openings in Saint-Émilion on Sept. 19 and 20, 2026. The Sept. 20 program will coincide with Saint-Émilion's Ban des Vendanges, which traditionally marks the start of the harvest period.

Source: bougerabordeaux.com Saint-Émilion The VintageRules and Classifications

Bordeaux begins the 2026 harvest weeks early after a hot, dry summer

Bordeaux began its 2026 harvest weeks early after a hot, dry summer, with Château Margaux picking Sauvignon Blanc on Aug. 7.

Source: vinetur.com Château Margaux Margaux The VintageVineyard and Cellar

Bordeaux shifts to the pace of an early vintage

Bordeaux began picking white grapes in mid-August for the 2026 harvest, about 15 days ahead of the previously earliest vintages, 2020 and 2022, according to consultant Frédéric Massie. Red grape picking was expected to begin during the week of Aug. 31.

Source: terredevins.com The VintageVineyard and Cellar

Europe’s Wine Harvest Begins Early As Heat And Drought Accelerate Grape Ripening

Heat and drought brought Europe's grape harvest forward to unprecedented levels, according to the Association of European Wine Industries. In Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, grapes began to be picked on Aug. 19, while producers faced rising costs and weaker wine consumption.

Source: telesurenglish.net Saint-Émilion The VintageVineyard and Cellar