European Heatwave Shrinks Bordeaux Grapes, Pushes 2026 Harvest Earlier

Prolonged heat and drought across Europe are forcing vineyards, particularly in Bordeaux, to begin harvests earlier than usual as grapes shrink under extreme temperatures. Wildfires have swept through southwestern France and Greece, compelling thousands of residents to evacuate. Emergency services remain deployed across multiple fronts, with firefighting efforts concentrated in Greece and on the island of Crete. Parts of Spain have seen some respite as authorities lifted national emergency declarations in select regions. The record-breaking continent-wide heat continues to elevate wildfire risks and degrade air quality for millions of Europeans.