Spain's 2026 wine harvest hit by labor shortages, price disputes and heat

The 2026 Spanish wine harvest is confronting a convergence of challenges. Record high temperatures have accelerated grape ripening, prompting an early start to the vendimia across regions such as Galicia, where forecasts anticipate up to 81 million kg of grapes, and the Cariñena DO, which expects 55‑60 million kg – a 9.5 % increase over the previous year but still below the five‑year average.

Labor shortages are acute. Randstad is seeking more than 1,600 seasonal workers for Galicia, while wineries nationwide report difficulty filling positions for pickers, loaders and cellar staff. The urgency is heightened by the compressed harvesting window, which leaves little margin for error.

Price disputes are adding pressure. The Sindicato Labrego Galego (SLG) and the professional growers’ association Asaja allege that buyers are offering contracts far below the estimated production cost of €1.52 per kg, violating the Spanish Food Chain Law. Asaja accuses buyers of a “psychosis” that depresses prices, while SLG warns that such contracts could force many small vineyards out of business.

Sector organisations such as ASAJA (Castilla‑La Mancha, Castilla‑La Mancha and Castilla y León) describe the upcoming campaign as “critical” and “marked by uncertainty,” citing reduced consumption, export challenges, rising production costs and the risk that low prices will undermine vineyard profitability. They call for stricter enforcement of the food‑chain law, better price controls and measures to sustain the sector’s viability.