Andorra's 2026 Grape Harvest Ends a Month Early Due to Heat and Drought

Andorra's 2026 grape harvest concluded far earlier than usual, with cellars reporting advances of up to a month due to summer heat and drought. The season highlighted climate change's growing influence on local viticulture, even as producers anticipate high-quality wines despite lower yields.

Casa Auvinyà in Sant Julià de Lòria finished collecting all its white and black grape varieties over the weekend of 19-20 September. Cellar manager Esteve Tor noted the maturation advanced by about three weeks, enabling optimal ripeness across varieties. The winery typically handles 2,500-3,000 kg of grapes annually; this year it gathered around 2,600 kg, down 10-20% from potential output in wetter conditions. Tor described the grapes as achieving fuller, more complex maturation, promising improved wine texture. Short-cycle varieties like Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris ripened alongside mid-cycle ones, allowing harvest in just two days before immediate vinification.

Borda Sabaté, also in Sant Julià de Lòria, wrapped up five days later on 25 September—nearly a full month ahead of its 18-year historical average. Manager Joan Farré acknowledged the vines suffered from drought-induced dehydration, reducing yields below normal. Last year saw a 10-15 day advance, but this season's high temperatures and lack of rain accelerated it further. Initial assessments point to favourable maturation, though final quality judgments await fermentation.

Higher-altitude operations lagged slightly. Casus Belli began harvesting on 28 September at its l’Any de la Part estate in Ordino, between 1,240m and 1,322m elevation—almost two weeks earlier than recent averages. Oenologist Miquel Medall called the harvest "exceptional," with healthy grapes showing balanced sugars and vibrant acidity. The winery started with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for its 80/20 sparkling wine (80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay), followed by Pinot Noir for the PR1MER white still wine from black grapes. Remaining Pinot Noir for Casus Belli Pinot Noir and Terra Negra reds stayed in the vineyard longer. Yields dipped slightly due to spring frost damage but suffice for planned production.

These staggered dates—from 19 September to 28—reflect variations in grape types, altitudes and microclimates, but all three official 'Vins de qualitat controlada d’Andorra' cellars agree on the forward shift. A 2024 study in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment confirms global harvests now start 2-3 weeks earlier than 40 years ago, driven by warming that speeds vine development and alters grape composition.

Producers emphasise phenolic maturity—balancing pulp, alcohol, acidity and berry evolution—allowing precise picking windows. Heat fostered concentration, but water stress curbed volumes.

Beyond the cellars, Andorra's wine sector eyes growth. Borda Sabaté reports rising enotourism demand from Spain, France, northern Europe, the US and Asia, including English speakers. Casa Auvinyà derives 10% of activity from booked visits, with Tor stressing the need for a distinct high-mountain wine identity before major tourism expansion. Recent September visits by international wine experts praised the wines' quality and uniqueness. The government collaborates with the three certified cellars on a plan to boost vineyards, promote high-altitude wines and develop sustainable enotourism.

Farré credited years of effort by Cellers d’Andorra for high standards, viewing external recognition as consumer assurance. Fermentation will ultimately determine if 2026 delivers the exceptional vintage now expected.