Westhoek Winemakers Harvest a Month Early Due to Extreme Heat: 'It Will Be a Top Year'

Winemakers in Belgium's Westhoek region have begun their grape harvest approximately one month ahead of schedule, a direct consequence of the extreme heat experienced this summer. Early grape varieties have reached ripeness much sooner than typical, leading to smaller berries but with expectations of high quality.

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We have already 2 grape varieties for white wine that are ready for picking. Over the last 15 years, we started harvesting between September 1 and 6 on average. But if I look back 30 years ago, when my father started, we are talking about the end of September. So we see that the harvest is starting earlier and earlier in recent years, but this year it is very extreme.

Ward Six of Monteberg winery is starting its harvest on Sunday, significantly earlier than the average between September 1 and 6 over the last 15 years. He notes that while the grapes are smaller due to a prolonged dry period, the quality is excellent, with more fleshiness indicating concentrated aromas. Six anticipates this could lead to fewer bottles produced, as the typical 75% juice yield per kilogram might be affected.

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We have never been able to pick so early. The grapes are also a bit smaller than usual. That is because of the large amount of sun we have received.

Dirk Syx of Den Nachtegael winery in Zonnebeke is also harvesting early, using a large automatic harvester. He describes it as the earliest harvest in his 30 years of experience. Syx expects "a top year" due to abundant sunshine and the absence of diseases, predicting a very beautiful, high-quality wine. The warm, dry weather is particularly beneficial for red wine production, which requires significant ripening, something that has not always been achievable in recent years.

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It's going to be a top year.