Roussillon’s 2025 harvest report
France’s 2025 harvest is predicted to be 3% larger than that of 2024, according to data released by the French Agricultural Ministry early this month (9 September). Not a huge variation on last year’s volumes, but a drop of 13% on the five-year average. High temperatures and draught in August and the reduction of vine growing areas are all contributing factors.
In Roussillon, the 2025 harvest is predicted to yield 350,000 hls, an additional 25,000 hls compared to 2024, which saw Roussillon’s worst harvest in its history.
For Roussillon’s winemakers, following 3 years of draught, some relief appeared in the shape of much welcome rains in the autumn of 2024 and over the following winter. Additional rainfall in March also contributed to the replenishing of the rivers Agly, Têt and Tech and, in part, some ground water resources.
This was a strong start for the growing season, with vines developing normally, good fruit set and healthy growth for all varieties across all parts of the region.
Spring’s alternating heat and humidity levels, however, provided the conditions for the development of mildew. Despite treatment and the drying effect of the Tramontane wind, some producers lost a large portion of their grapes to downy mildew.
After a few intense Sirocco blasts in June, conditions continued to prove challenging over July and August, with extremely high temperatures and heat waves causing damage to vines and grapes, resulting in some producers losing, yet again, part of their harvest to heat exposure. Rainstorms and cooling winds alternated with hot spells. High humidity across both months made for challenging conditions, requiring careful vineyard management and vigilance.
Domaine Lafage kicked off harvest season on 5th August, 5 days later than last year.
All grapes for white and rosé wines were picked by the end of August.
Harvest for reds was more complicated for vignerons, with a gap between alcoholic and phenolic maturity of about a week, dictating good judgment and care.
In spite of ongoing climatic challenges, 2025 marks a less extreme year for wine producers in Roussillon, with very low volumes but high quality expected from the harvest overall.
Most producers are disappointed and saddened, however, to see that, once again, the harvest is only half of what would be needed to truly pay for the fruit of their labour.
