In recent years, we've heard more and more about harvesting grapes early in August . This practice, which until recently seemed exceptional, has now become a reality for many Italian wineries. But why does it happen, and what are the implications for wine?

Why the grape harvest begins in August

Traditionally, the harvest took place between September and October, depending on the grape variety and production area. Today, however, many wineries begin harvesting as early as mid- or late August.
The main cause is climate change :

• Temperature increases during the summer season.

• Heat waves are becoming more frequent and prolonged.

• Accelerated ripening of the grapes, which reach the right sugar content sooner.

This means that the grapes need to be harvested as early as possible to preserve their quality, freshness, and acidity.

The Italian regions where the grape harvest begins first

Some particularly warm wine-growing areas are the first to experience the August harvest:

• Sicily and Sardinia : the harvest of the earliest white grapes begins in the first weeks of August.

• Puglia and Calabria : the intensity of the sun leads to rapid ripening.

• Central Italy : in Tuscany and Lazio, early harvests are recorded, especially for Chardonnay and Pinot.

Even in the North, where the harvest traditionally arrived at the end of September, we are now starting to see early harvests.

How work in the cellar is changing

The early harvest brings with it new challenges for producers:

• Greater attention to the exact moment of harvest .

• The grapes need to be processed immediately to avoid oxidation.

• Adaptation of winemaking techniques to maintain balance between sugars and acidity.

The result can be positive: fresher and more aromatic wines, but it requires impeccable skills and organization.

Early harvest and climate change

Harvesting in August is a clear sign of ongoing climate change. For winemakers, this means:

• Rethinking vineyard management.

• Experimenting with more heat-resistant grape varieties.

• Investing in sustainable farming practices to protect crops.

In conclusion, the early harvest is no longer an exception, but a new normal for many Italian wineries. While it's a challenge, it also represents an opportunity to innovate and showcase a wine born under the August sun.

Experience the grape harvest as a protagonist

Want to experience the magic of the grape harvest up close? Today you can do so by participating in unique activities at Italian wineries: grape harvesting, tastings among the vines, and food and wine tours.

Book your grape harvest experience now on Wineries Experience and experience an authentic and unforgettable experience firsthand.