Italian wine harvest advanced to combat heat and drought

The 2026 wine harvest in Italy has been characterized by intense heat and prolonged drought, prompting many producers to advance their grape picking by up to three weeks to preserve acidity and balance.

Fantini Wines reported that early harvesting across its vineyards in Abruzzo, Sicily, and Spain helped manage high temperatures. In Sardinia, technical teams utilized canopy management, such as maintaining leaves around Vermentino clusters, to protect grapes from direct sun exposure and prevent sunburn. In Abruzzo, early harvests of Pecorino and Pinot Grigio were used to maintain necessary acidity.

Regional reports indicate varying impacts. In Trentino-Alto Adige, early assessments suggest positive quality with well-balanced aromatic profiles. In Piedmont, the historic winery Pio Cesare noted that its harvest was likely the earliest on record, with white varieties being picked as early as August 12. Despite the heat, some estates in mountainous regions reported healthy, abundant grapes with moderate alcohol levels.