Harvest Update on White Wines, Italy, Spain and France

Vineyard in Puglia

France

The 2025 harvest is running earlier than usual in several regions due to hot summer conditions. Some estates in Bordeaux began picking white grapes as early as mid-August, nearly a month ahead of the old norm. Burgundy and Champagne are also starting earlier than expected, with producers adapting quickly to preserve acidity and balance in the whites. Overall, volume looks good, but ripening has been fast, so timing is critical.

Italy

Harvesting began in the south (Sicily, Puglia, Calabria) by the end of August, with white grapes coming in steadily through September. Central regions like Tuscany and Umbria are in full swing now, with growers noting healthy bunches and good sugar levels despite the hot, dry summer. In the north (Piedmont, Veneto, Alto Adige), harvest is moving later into September and early October, with cooler nights helping whites like Pinot Grigio and Cortese retain freshness. Quality is reported as promising across most regions.

Spain

The harvest is underway across the country, with some of the earliest picking in Priorat at the start of September. Rioja is gearing up for its main harvest around the third week of September, aligned with the traditional San Mateo celebrations. Ribera del Duero follows in late September. Andalusian vineyards, especially at higher altitudes, have been picking since late August. Growers are optimistic about both yield and quality, though the warm summer pushed some vineyards into earlier harvest dates.

Summary

• France: Whites are coming in early (mid-August start in some regions) due to heat, with good but fast ripening.

• Italy: Staggered harvest depending on north–south; healthy grapes and good quality, strongest activity in September.

• Spain: Festivals and harvests in full swing through September, with early starts in the south and Priorat, and Rioja peaking late September.

  

  Vineyard in Puglia