Sweet and Salty News

Harvest

3 articles

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

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
Overflowing barrels of red wine in an Italian vineyard during harvest, symbolizing a severe market glut and crisis.
The Cellar & Vine

Italy's Red Wine Glut Worsens with Early Harvest Amid Crisis

In Valpolicella, Italy, a staggering 172,280 quintals of grapes, representing 20% of total production, are currently stockpiled, signaling an unprecedented glut in the red wine market.

Marco Alves·August 29, 2026
Juxtaposition of sun-scorched Italian vineyard and frost-covered vines, symbolizing the dual threats of heat and cold to global grape harvests.
The Cellar & Vine

Extreme weather accelerates Franciacorta's 2026 grape harvest to July 30

In Italy's Franciacorta region, the 2026 grape harvest is set to begin on July 30, marking the earliest start on record, according to Winenews It .

Marco Alves·July 30, 2026