--- title: "Record high temperatures force European wine producers to bring in harvest early" url: https://newscentral.site/record-high-temperatures-force-european-wine-producers-to-bring/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-10-13T22:20:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-14T05:41:09.111Z id: 01cb52aa-cdbb-464e-bbb6-975498bf0596 source: "PBS NewsHour World https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/climate-change-gives-swedish-winemakers-an-unexpected-boost" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/record-high-temperatures-force-european-wine-producers-to-bring/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Record high temperatures force European wine producers to bring in harvest early European wine producers are experiencing contrasting fortunes due to record high temperatures, with French wineries facing potential losses and Nordic producers benefiting from warmer weather. Record high temperatures this year have forced European wine producers to bring in their harvest much earlier than usual, a trend that's causing concern for many wineries. French wineries are particularly worried, fearing that the heat and drought will lead to the worst season in 30 years, with many predicting a significant loss of quality and quantity. However, this shift in climate is having an unexpected effect on Nordic wine producers, who believe they're set for a vintage harvest thanks to the warmer weather. In southern Sweden, winemakers at the Astad Vineyard are celebrating the end of their harvesting season, with their grapes destined to become sparkling wine. This year's crop is being brought in earlier than usual, a full three weeks ahead of the Champagne region in France. The stark contrast between the fortunes of European wine producers highlights the challenges posed by climate change, which scientists warn could lead to the disappearance of 90% of all wine-producing regions in Southern Europe by the end of the century. The vineyards in Sweden are experiencing an unexpected surge in production due to favorable weather conditions. Vineyard manager Nils Mellbin credits the good fortune to a combination of factors, including ideal flowering conditions and low disease pressure during the summer months. Sweden's warmer climate is making it easier for grapes to ripen, but Mellbin notes that this comes with its own set of challenges. The country's extreme weather patterns, such as hail, spring frost, and droughts, are becoming more frequent, and when the rain does come, it often leads to excessive moisture. The Astad company, which produces sparkling wine, is one of several vineyards in Sweden that have been experimenting with non-traditional grape varieties. They've planted young vines just two years ago, which will reach their full potential within the next few years. These new vines are producing the solaris grape, a variety specifically suited to cooler climates. The solaris grape's unique characteristics make it an ideal choice for Swedish winemakers. It requires a shorter growing season to ripen and is able to thrive in the country's cool climate, producing grapes with a perfect balance of sugar and acidity. Mellbin believes that the success of the solaris grape in Sweden could be a model for other regions struggling to adapt to changing weather patterns. The vineyard manager notes that the grape variety's ability to ripen well in cooler climates makes it an attractive option for producers looking to diversify their offerings. The vineyard manager had mentioned that the grape variety's ability to ripen well in cooler climates makes it an attractive option for producers looking to diversify their offerings. But what about the taste? Nils Mellbin, a winemaker, was optimistic as he guided Malcolm Brabant through a tasting session. "There's nice aromatics, nice fruit flavors," he said. Malcolm Brabant playfully challenged him, saying, "The only fruit flavor I can detect is grape." Nils Mellbin laughed and agreed, but then revealed that as the grapes ripened, he began to detect tropical fruits, almost like mango passion fruit. Malcolm asked if he could really taste that, and Nils replied with a firm yes. In contrast, Champagne wine growers in Northern France are facing difficulties due to warmer weather. The harvest now takes place in mid-August instead of September, which has resulted in lower yields. This year's crop was particularly affected by spring frost, heat, and drought, leading to a 30 percent decrease in yields. Kimberly Nicholas, a climate solutions expert at Lund University in Southern Sweden, observed that the impacts of climate change are unequivocally bad around the world. She noted that even in regions that might benefit from warmer temperatures, traditional wine-growing areas are struggling to grow high-quality grapes. This is due to increased variability and difficulty in growing crops. Up the coast from Nils Mellbin's vineyard, winemakers were busy with the pressing stage of production, where juice is extracted and separated from skins, seeds, and stems. The winemaking process was underway, but the challenges posed by climate change lingered as a concern for producers across the region. As the winemaking process unfolds at Astad Vineyard, Claes Bartoldsson's enthusiasm for Sweden's burgeoning wine industry is palpable. With 17 years of experience under his belt, he has been instrumental in shaping the family-run vintner's growth. Last year, they produced a modest 20,000 bottles, but this season promises a significant increase. The plans to expand production are ambitious, with Bartoldsson anticipating that they will be able to produce approximately 70,000 bottles this year. To meet this demand, a new winery capable of handling 300,000 bottles is set to break ground in the coming winter. This expansion reflects the growing confidence in Sweden's wine industry. The Astad Vineyard's focus on producing high-quality wines that can stand alongside international varieties has been gaining recognition. Their efforts were recently acknowledged at a prestigious event, last December's Nobel Prize banquet saw one of their vintages chosen to be served to the laureates. This is not an isolated incident, as Swedish wine continues to make waves in the industry. The choice of wine for the Nobel Prize banquet came from Kullabergs Vineyard on Sweden's coast, overlooking Denmark across the water. Victor Dahl, CEO of Kullabergs Vineyard, attributes their success to the vineyard's unique location. He believes that this spot has proven to be ideal for growing grapes. Bartoldsson is optimistic about the potential for Swedish wine to compete globally, and he sees it as an opportunity not just for Swedes but for the world. As the winemaking process continues at Astad Vineyard, they are eager to see how their latest vintage will turn out, with a focus on creating a palatable alternative that can hold its own against international competitors. The Swedish wine industry is thriving despite the country's strict regulations on alcohol sales. Critics argue that the state's monopoly on liquor sales is outdated and restrictive, aiming to limit consumption and minimize societal impact. However, for some entrepreneurs like Murat Sofrakis, who owns Klagshamn Wine, these rules can be seen as opportunities rather than obstacles. Sofrakis' vineyard produces a range of wines, including still white varieties that are subject to sales restrictions. Visitors to the vineyard must pay for a tour before being allowed to purchase wine, with a limit of three liters per person. This unique approach is just one example of how Swedish winemakers are adapting to their environment. A bottle of Sofrakis' wine was recently spotted in a Malmo wine bar on Sweden's southwestern coast, priced at around $30. Wine journalist Karin Ericson offered her expert opinion, describing the wine as "really aromatic" with notes of peach, bananas, pears, and nuttiness. The verdict suggests that Swedish wines are not only gaining traction locally but also impressing international critics. The growing popularity of Swedish wine has been attributed in part to climate change, which is allowing local winemakers to experiment with new grape varieties and techniques. This shift towards innovative production methods may help Swedish wines compete more effectively on the global market. As Klagshamn Wine continues to produce high-quality vintages, it remains to be seen how these emerging trends will shape the future of Sweden's wine industry. With a focus on creating unique and palatable alternatives to international competitors, local winemakers are optimistic about their chances in the global market. As Swedish winemakers continue to experiment with unique flavor profiles, some are finding that climate change is inadvertently giving them an unexpected boost. The country's cooler temperatures and lack of disease have allowed their vineyards to thrive, producing high-quality grapes without the need for pesticides or other chemicals. Local winemakers are now focusing on creating distinctive wines that appeal to a niche market, rather than trying to compete with larger producers. This approach has led to the development of new and innovative flavor combinations, such as those featuring tropical fruits. However, this shift towards smaller-scale production also means higher costs for consumers, who must pay more for the premium quality and labor standards that Swedish winemakers prioritize. One of the key factors contributing to Sweden's success is its strict regulations regarding worker rights and fair compensation. These laws ensure that workers are paid a good salary and have access to high-quality working conditions, which in turn affects the final product. As a result, Swedish wines are often more expensive than their international counterparts, but they also command a loyal following among those who value sustainability and quality. With Sweden's unique combination of climate, labor practices, and innovative spirit, local winemakers are optimistic about their chances in the global market, even if they never become a mass-market phenomenon. --- Source: [PBS NewsHour World](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/climate-change-gives-swedish-winemakers-an-unexpected-boost) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/record-high-temperatures-force-european-wine-producers-to-bring/