Business · Companies · 13 hrs ago
Heat brings an early harvest and smaller crop to Champagne
A heatwave and drought pushed Champagne’s 2026 harvest unusually early, beginning in the Marne Valley on August 14.
The story follows the Henry-Bourdelat family, a Champagne producer near Épernay that has made its own wine since 1955.
Champagne was once challenged by cool summers that made grapes hard to ripen, but warmer conditions now make it harder to preserve freshness and acidity.
The region’s harvest was 49% smaller than the year before, while the grapes had more sugar than usual.
That sugar can lead to stronger wine, and the family’s winemaker says blending wines from different grapes and years may help balance the differences.
French authorities temporarily raised the permitted alcohol limit for the 2026 vintage from 13% to 15%.
Researchers are also studying yeasts that produce less alcohol, though the family says blending can already help manage the effects of heat.
Champagne’s 2026 grape harvest began unusually early on 14 August after heat accelerated ripening.
The harvest across Champagne was 49 percent lower than the previous year, according to the industry association.
Drought produced smaller berries, while the grapes had higher sugar levels that could lead to more alcoholic wines.
The summer in France included five heatwaves and a historic drought, with temperatures above 42 degrees in parts of the country.
The Henry-Bourdelat family, which has made champagne since 1955, is among the family businesses adapting to the changing conditions.
- Who
- Champagne grape growers, including the Henry-Bourdelat family.
- What
- The 2026 harvest began unusually early, and the crop was 49 percent smaller than the previous year.
- When
- The harvest began on 14 August 2026.
- Where
- The Champagne region of France, including the Marne Valley.
- Why
- Heat sped up grape ripening, while drought made the berries smaller.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
France experienced five heatwaves and a historic drought, with temperatures above 42 degrees in parts of the country.
Harvesting began in the Marne Valley, unusually early.
Simon Henry showed visitors the family’s vineyards near Brugny-Vaudancourt, where some grapes remained unharvested.
- Harvest start
- 14 August 2026
- Crop change
- 49 percent lower than the previous year
- Sugar level
- As much as 250 grams per litre in some grapes, compared with a usual level of about 200 grams
- Temperature
- Above 42 degrees in parts of France
- Family business
- Henry-Bourdelat has produced its own champagne since 1955
What people are saying
Thirty years ago we normally began harvesting in the first half of September.
The grapes were not ripe in August and are now being left to the birds.