Harvest and vintage
[Headline: how this year's harvest went in a region]
[One sentence on the size and quality of the crop, and what to expect in the bottle.]
News
The wine world,
without the noise.
Harvests, regions, rules and the trade: a short, sourced read on what changed and why it matters to the person holding the glass. We draw on reports from the OIV, Decanter and regional authorities.
Every story names its source and carries its date.
The lead story [DATE]
Harvest and vintage
[Headline: how this year's harvest went in a region]
[One sentence on the size and quality of the crop, and what to expect in the bottle.]
Source: [SOURCE]
Latest
newest first-
-
Regions
[Headline: a region or appellation changes its rules]
[One sentence on what changed and which wines it affects.]
-
Trade and prices
[Headline: a shift in prices or supply]
[One sentence on what it means for the price on the shelf.]
-
Rules and labels
[Headline: a new labelling requirement]
[One sentence on what you will now see on the bottle.]
-
Science
[Headline: a study on vines, climate or winemaking]
[One sentence on the finding and how firm it is.]
-
Events
[Headline: a fair, tasting or competition]
[One sentence on where, when and who it is for.]
-
Harvest and vintage
[Headline: weather and the growing season]
[One sentence on frost, heat or rain and its likely effect.]
-
Regions
[Headline: a lesser-known region gains attention]
[One sentence on what it makes and why people are noticing.]
-
Trade and prices
[Headline: a change in how wine is sold or shipped]
[One sentence on what changes for buyers.]
Wine year questions
Harvest, vintages and what changes.
The wine world moves in seasons. Sources including the OIV annual report and Decanter vintage charts are the starting point for harvest and vintage data.
When is the northern hemisphere wine harvest?
In the northern hemisphere, harvest typically runs from August (for early varieties in warm climates) through October or even November (for late-harvest styles like Sauternes or German Auslese). The exact timing varies by region, variety and vintage. The OIV annual report publishes regional harvest data each year.
When is the southern hemisphere wine harvest?
In the southern hemisphere (Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand), harvest runs roughly February through April — six months offset from the north. This means two harvests happen globally each year, giving importers and buyers a year-round supply.
How does a difficult vintage affect the wine I buy?
A difficult year — caused by frost, drought, rain or disease — can reduce yields, alter ripeness and change the profile of the wine. Some vintages are remembered for decades: Bordeaux 2000 and 2009 are celebrated; 1991 less so. Decanter's vintage charts and Jancis Robinson's vintage guides are useful references.
Where can I follow wine news reliably?
For independent journalism, Decanter and Jancis Robinson MW are well-regarded. For trade and regulation news, the Drinks Business and Wine Spectator publish regularly. WineTheGuide summarises what matters to the person at home.
What is the significance of climate change for wine regions?
Rising temperatures are shifting ripeness windows, enabling new regions and stressing traditional ones. The OIV has published research on climate adaptation in viticulture. England, for example, now produces commercially viable sparkling wine — something unthinkable 40 years ago.
How we report
Short, sourced and corrected in the open.
i.
Named sources. Each story links to where the information came from.
ii.
What it means for you. Every story ends with a line on why it matters to the drinker.
iii.
Corrections on the page. If we get something wrong, the fix is noted where you can see it.