France

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Champagne harvesters working rapidly in sun-drenched vineyards during the earliest harvest on record, with a vintage bottle in the background.

Champagne harvest breaks record, hitting earliest date ever

For the first time in its history, France has temporarily increased the regulatory alcohol limit for champagne to 15% ABV for the 2026 harvest, a direct response to grapes ripening faster than ever be

Marco Alves·September 17, 2026