Heatwaves push Portugal's grape harvest weeks earlier
Intense heat has pushed forward the start of Portugal's grape harvest, traditionally beginning in September, industry representatives told Lusa. In the Alentejo and Tejo, picking started in late July, while the Douro saw a one-to-two-week advance. ViniPortugal's president Frederico Falcão linked the shift to rising temperatures accelerating grape ripening, requiring closer vineyard monitoring and faster decisions. CAP's Luís Mira said harvests have come earlier over the past 15 years without loss of quality. Producers also report growing labour shortages, while some, like Vicentino Wines, say this year's harvest is proceeding on schedule.