Overview: Germany’s main grape harvest has begun earlier than ever recorded after an exceptionally hot summer accelerated ripening across its wine-growing regions, the German Wine Institute said on Friday. Harvesting is already underway from Saxony in the east to Lake Constance in the south.
The Full Story
Institute spokesman Ernst Büscher confirmed that this was the earliest start to the harvest ever in all wine-growing regions. Some winegrowers even cut short their holidays because of it, as high temperatures affected when grapes ripen, as well as their sugar and acidity levels.
The harvest has already included not only grapes for Federweisser — partially fermented young wine — and sparkling wine, but also the first grapes destined for premium wines. The main harvest is expected to begin “on a large scale” in the first week of September. Compared with recent years, the main harvest has begun around one to two weeks earlier.
Growers expect good quality but below-average yields following an exceptionally hot summer. The grapes are still very healthy, pointing to aromatic white wines and deeply colored red wines. However, dry conditions have left grapes smaller than usual.
Production & Profile
Growers are closely watching both sugar and acidity levels during this record-early harvest. High temperatures can reduce the fruit acidity that gives many German white wines their characteristic freshness. Leaving grapes on the vines too long in hot conditions can push sugar levels higher, producing stronger wines with more alcohol.
Brand & Industry History
The record-early harvest continues a trend seen in recent decades, with higher temperatures affecting when grapes ripen, as well as their sugar and acidity levels. Compared with 30 or 40 years ago, it is certainly four weeks earlier, according to Büscher. Climate change has brought some advantages for Germany’s wine industry over the years. Warmer conditions have allowed growers to experiment with grape varieties better suited to warmer climates and have made wine cultivation possible in some new areas.
What This Means
But increasingly long and frequent periods of heat and drought also pose challenges for the industry. Significant rainfall in the coming weeks could accelerate the harvest even further. The overall harvest is expected to be below average because dry conditions have left grapes smaller than usual.
Consumer Takeaway
Drinkers can expect wines from regions including Palatinate, Saxony, and Lake Constance that reflect this record-early vintage. While quality remains high with healthy grapes, the yield is anticipated to be below average due to the dry summer conditions affecting grape size.
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