Czech winegrowers face lower yields due to drought

Czech winegrowers are facing a challenging harvest season due to significant drought conditions. Zbyněk Vičar, director of the Wine Fund, estimates that the harvest will be approximately 20 to 30 percent lower than usual, with a corresponding decrease in juice yield.

Survey data from the Wine Union of the Czech Republic indicates that drought has affected more than half of all vineyards, and in some areas, over 75 percent of the land. The lack of water has resulted in smaller berries and uneven ripening across Moravian wine regions. Additionally, some areas, such as Velkopavlovice, have reported damage from hail.

Despite the lower volume, the quality of the grapes remains good. The hot and dry weather may benefit red grape varieties, potentially leading to fuller-bodied wines. The early harvest provides winemakers with more time in the cellar to refine Saint Martin's wines, with final volumes and characteristics expected to be clearer by early November.