Germany’s 2026 grape harvest is officially underway, with sunny summer weather accelerating ripening across the country’s 13 wine-growing regions. The first grapes are currently being harvested in the Pfalz and Baden for Federweißer, a young, partially fermented wine traditionally enjoyed during harvest season, and are already showing exceptionally high ripeness.
According to the German Wine Institute (DWI), the 2026 harvest is beginning in the second week of August, around one week earlier than the average start date over the past five years. Harvesting of grapes for sparkling wine base wines is also expected to begin in the coming days, followed closely by early-ripening grape varieties destined for wine production.
Healthy Grapes Across Germany
Thanks to the dry, hot weather in recent weeks, grapes are currently in excellent health throughout Germany’s wine regions. While localized hailstorms have caused significant vineyard damage in some areas of the Pfalz, Baden and Württemberg, German winegrowers have largely been spared widespread weather-related damage so far this growing season.
Young Vines Feel the Effects of Drought
The extreme drought is creating challenges particularly for younger vineyards, whose root systems are not yet fully developed. In some vineyards, grapes had to be removed during the summer to relieve stress on the vines, while irrigation was used where possible. Older vineyards remain in comparatively good condition, provided they are not planted on lighter soils that retain very little water.
Small, Concentrated Berries
Due to the lack of water, grapes are generally smaller and not quite as juicy as in typical years. This has resulted in very concentrated and aromatic must, but is also expected to affect overall harvest yields.
Ideal Conditions for the Rest of Harvest
The cooler temperatures forecast for the coming weeks are welcome as grapes continue to ripen. According to DWI, light rainfall would help alleviate the current water shortage, while largely dry weather for the remainder of the harvest period would create the best conditions for a high-quality 2026 vintage.
To learn more, read the German Wine Institute’s full press release.
Left: Nils Andres helps pick the season’s first grapes at Weingut Nett
Right: Rebecca Nett of Weingut Nett in Neustadt an der Weinstraße kicks off the 2026 harvest.
