Germany's 2026 wine harvest to drop 20% after summer drought

In Germany, the 2026 wine harvest is predicted to be around 20 percent below the 10-year average of 8.7 million hectolitres, due to a hot and dry summer. The German Wine Institute (DWI) forecasts this smaller yield, which would fill 348 Olympic-sized swimming pools. While the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) estimates a slightly higher harvest volume of 8.0 million hl, the latter's estimate is based on a different baseline.

The primary reasons for the reduced harvest are scorching temperatures and drought conditions. According to the German Weather Service, 2026's summer ranks as the 12th driest such season in Germany since records began in 1881. As a result, grapes are unable to grow to their full size, leading to lower juice content. However, the grapes' flavor may become more concentrated, potentially resulting in a high-quality vintage.

The impact of the drought on grapevines differs depending on the region. Older vines, with their extensive root systems, fared better than younger vines and those in lighter soil. The Destatis expects around 5.6 million hl of white wine and 2.4 million hl of red wine. Riesling grape harvests are anticipated to increase by 8 percent compared to 2025, reaching 1.8 million hl, while dornfelder red grapes may see a 9 percent rise.

Other grape varieties, such as silvaner (white) and portugieser (red), are expected to see harvest reductions compared to 2025, with expected falls of 5 percent and 3 percent respectively.