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🇮🇸 Iceland /Environment & Climate

Extreme heat threatens European wine production, expert warns

From Morgunblaðið · () Icelandic

Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A wine expert in Barcelona warns that extreme heat in Southern Europe could lead to poor wine vintages, particularly in France.
  • The expert notes that while water restrictions have been lifted, prolonged high temperatures threaten grape harvests, especially for young vines.
  • Wine production in regions like Priorat is struggling with heat, though recent winter rain has provided some relief for older vines.

The summer heat gripping Southern Europe is not just uncomfortable for residents; it's a growing threat to the wine industry. "If it continues to be this terribly hot in Southern Europe, then I think the '26 vintage is something one should rather buy from Northern Europe," says wine expert Sóley Björk Guðmundsdóttir, who works in Barcelona.

If it continues to be this terribly hot in Southern Europe, then I think the '26 vintage is something one should rather buy from Northern Europe.

— Sóley Björk GuðmundsdóttirThe wine expert discusses the potential impact of extreme heat on future wine vintages.

She explains that excessive heat can cause grape harvests to fail, a particular problem in France this year. While people in Barcelona are accustomed to heatwaves, they typically arrive later in July and August. This year's early and intense heat has residents concerned about the summer's impact.

Many homes in the region are poorly insulated and electricity is expensive, limiting the use of air conditioning even when available. "The houses are mostly very poorly insulated and electricity is expensive, so even though air conditioning is available, a large part of apartments do not have air conditioning, it's not certain that people can afford to use it much, let alone when the cold escapes through thin walls and simple glass," Sóley notes.

Then it will just be a very bad vintage because of too much heat.

— Sóley Björk GuðmundsdóttirShe elaborates on the consequences of prolonged high temperatures for wine production.

Despite the challenges, there's a silver lining: water usage is not currently restricted, unlike in previous years when a severe drought led to emergency measures. However, the high temperatures, exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Catalonia, are still a major concern for winemakers. "They are struggling with the heat right now," she says, relaying a conversation with a winemaker in Priorat. "If I believed in God, I would be praying every day."

I am like an uber nerd.

— Sóley Björk GuðmundsdóttirThe wine expert describes her passion and dedication to her field of study.

While recent winter rains have helped replenish groundwater, essential for older vines with deeper root systems, young vines are suffering as their roots can only reach surface water. If the heat persists, the grapes risk becoming overripe, jeopardizing the quality of the wine.

This is especially a problem in France right now because it is even hotter there and if there is too much heat, the harvest just fails.

— Sóley Björk GuðmundsdóttirShe highlights the specific difficulties faced by French wine regions due to the heat.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Morgunblaðið in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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