French wine industry begins 2026 harvest amid climate challenges

The 2026 wine harvest has commenced in the Rhône Valley. Following early picking in certain sectors on August 11, the pace of harvesting has accelerated. While the season faced intense climatic challenges, including the warmest spring ever recorded in France, Philippe Pellaton, president of Inter Rhône, noted that the vines have shown resilience and the sanitary state of the grapes is excellent.

Simultaneously, the French wine industry is preparing for the 2026 wine fairs (Foire aux vins) scheduled for September and October. These promotional events are becoming vital for a sector facing a major crisis characterized by structural declines in consumption and rising production costs. Major retailers such as Lidl, Intermarché, and Netto have scheduled their promotions to help domains move excess stock and stimulate sales.