Galicia wine harvest reaches record yields amid labor shortages

The 2026 grape harvest in Galicia has begun across four of the region's five protected designations of origin (DO): Rías Baixas, Ribeiro, Valdeorras, and Ribeira Sacra. The Xunta de Galicia forecasts a record-breaking yield of 81 million kilograms, surpassing the previous 2011 record of 77.8 million kilograms. A lack of summer rain has resulted in exceptionally healthy grapes and reduced the need for phytosanitary treatments.

Despite the record production, the sector faces economic challenges, including falling prices and high existing wine stocks. Additionally, the industry is grappling with significant labor shortages. In the O Salnés region, the Amigos de Galicia Foundation is still seeking 158 seasonal workers. Challenges cited for the recruitment difficulties include low hourly wages (between 8.32 and 9 euros), the intense physical nature of the work, limited public transportation to vineyards, and administrative delays in work authorizations for migrant populations.