Early grape harvest begins in Navarre due to drought

Drought conditions have significantly accelerated the grape ripening process in the Basque Country and Navarre, leading to an uncharacteristically early harvest. In several wineries, harvesting is starting approximately 15 days earlier than usual.

In Navarre, producers in the Ribera region are the first to begin. Pablo Pavez, an enologist at the Principe de Viana winery in Merchante, noted that this is the earliest harvest recorded in recent history, with white varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc being the first to be picked.

In central Navarre, harvest timelines are also advanced by 15 to 20 days. Black grape varieties, including Merlot and Tempranillo, are expected to be harvested in southern Navarre starting in early September. Similar trends are being observed in Rioja Alavesa, where white grape harvesting is projected for early September, followed by black grapes at the end of the month.