Early grape harvests start ahead of schedule in Douro and Gard

In Portugal's Douro Valley, the first grape clusters have already been picked, with the harvest expected to begin one to two weeks earlier than usual. Producers attribute the advance to an early vegetative cycle, a wet winter that stored soil moisture, and moderate temperatures that prevented water stress. The Association of Professional Viticulturists of the Douro (Prodouro) expects a roughly 25 % increase in wine production and judges the early‑ripened grapes to be of promising quality.

In France's Gard department, the vendange also commenced several days ahead of schedule because of high summer temperatures. Growers are working into evenings and nights to protect grape quality, leading to a noticeable rise in agricultural traffic on rural roads. Local authorities have urged motorists to exercise extra caution around tractors and harvest machines as the region balances the harvest with a surge of tourists.

Both regions illustrate how unusually warm weather this year is accelerating the grape‑ripping cycle, prompting adjustments in harvesting practices and raising expectations for the upcoming wine vintage.