Story perspectives

Champagne harvest starts August 6, earliest on record

8/20/2026

Summary

Champagne Producers Accelerate Harvest

Champagne producers started the 2024 harvest in mid-August, a record early start caused by extreme heat and drought.
The official harvest window ran from Aug. 12 to Aug. 17, roughly a month earlier than usual.
Réseau Matu reported potential alcohol levels rising from 8.2 % to 10.2 %, reaching 11 % in some vineyards.
Union of Champagne Houses president David Chatillon said spring frosts cut 43 % of production and drought further lowered yields.

Summary

CIVC Adapts

CIVC co-president Maxime Toubart explained a reserve-wine system that reintroduces stored tanks to offset poor harvests.
The committee granted winemaker Vincent Finot permission to start picking on August 6, the earliest recorded.
Producers are considering planting heat-tolerant grape varieties and maintaining ground cover to conserve soil moisture.
French houses Taittinger and Pommery have invested in southern England vineyards as climate-driven alternatives.

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Champagne Producers Accelerate Harvest

Champagne producers started the 2024 harvest in mid-August, a record early start caused by extreme heat and drought.
The official harvest window ran from Aug. 12 to Aug. 17, roughly a month earlier than usual.
Réseau Matu reported potential alcohol levels rising from 8.2 % to 10.2 %, reaching 11 % in some vineyards.
Union of Champagne Houses president David Chatillon said spring frosts cut 43 % of production and drought further lowered yields.

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