Extreme heat is leading to the earliest Champagne harvest on record, which could also be one of the most challenging. Winemakers in the French region are facing lower yields, weaker consumer demand, and a threat to the iconic drink's famed fresh taste.
The Champagne season officially starts on August 15 this year, with the majority of picking expected between August 20 and 25, around two weeks earlier than usual in recent years.
Hot summer temperatures are accelerating the grape-ripening process, creating more sugary fruit and narrowing the optimum picking window for Champagne.
Adapt to survive
European wine growers are also contending with drought, freak weather events, and U.S. tariffs.
Some winemakers are reacting by pulling out vineyards, changing their grape varieties, or moving further north.
The earlier grape harvesting season is also being observed in the U.K., where the wine industry is growing.
Industry players are convinced that Champagne's innovation will be enough to preserve the drink's status and quality long into the future.
