The Drinks Business reports that Champagne could begin harvesting as early as 10 August in warmer sites, potentially setting the region’s earliest recorded picking date after early flowering, severe spring frosts and heatwave conditions. The official start date is currently expected to be 15 August, but Montgueux may begin earlier, while producers are balancing healthy fruit against risks from high temperatures, sunburn and reduced yields after frost damage of around 40% on average.
Champagne
-
Top 6 findings From the ProWein Sparkling Report
The Drinks Business reports that ProWein’s latest Sparkling Report points to a split sparkling wine market, with Champagne down to 266 million bottles sold in 2025, Crémant hitting a record of nearly 123 million bottles, Prosecco still growing, Cava falling sharply, and alcohol-free sparkling wine gaining momentum, especially in Germany.
-
UK Champagne Market Returns to Growth
The Drinks Business reports that the UK Champagne market grew again in 2025, with shipments rising 1.9% to 22.7 million bottles, the first annual increase since 2021. The article says the recovery looks stronger in volume than in value, with importers pointing to steadier pricing and better sales of Brut NV, while some premium cuvées are still under pressure. It also notes that the UK now accounts for about 15% of total Champagne exports, helped in part by softer US demand.
-
EU Defends Champagne and Prosecco Names in Trade Deals
The Drinks Business reports that the EU is treating wine as a red-line issue in trade negotiations, even while offering limited concessions on agricultural imports such as beef and sheep meat. According to its summary of Euronews reporting, Brussels continues to insist on strong protection for geographical indications such as Champagne and Prosecco, with partner countries often required to restrict or phase out those names in export markets. The broader takeaway is that the EU sees wine names tied to origin as strategic commercial assets, not just labelling details.
-
US Tariffs Push Restaurants to Rework Wine Lists
Reuters reports that US restaurants, bars and retailers are increasingly swapping out imported Champagne, crémant and other European wines as tariffs bite harder, with one New York buyer seeing some bottles rise by about $3 to $5 and other suppliers warning of increases of up to 20 per cent this year. The agency says many firms held prices down in 2025 by shipping stock early or absorbing costs, but wholesalers now expect those tactics to run out. That is pushing more wine lists towards lower-cost and domestic alternatives, and giving some California brands a relative boost.