In Champagne, picking officially began between 12 and 17 August 2026 depending on the village, roughly a month earlier than what was long considered normal. It has been a testing vintage: after early budburst, spring frost destroyed nearly 43% of potential production, according to the Union des Maisons de Champagne. The summer heat then scorched part of the crop.
For the fourth year in a row, the permitted yield has been lowered: 8,800 kg per hectare, against 12,000 kg in 2022. The aim is to reduce stocks in a quieter French market, while exports are edging up. On quality, growers remain cautiously optimistic: the grapes picked are healthy and ripe.
Sources: Comité Champagne, Union des Maisons de Champagne, L’Info Durable / AFP, Vinetur.
