As climate change intensifies, Italy's sparkling wine producers are adapting to extreme heat by harvesting grapes at night and starting earlier in the season. According to recent reports, vineyards in regions like Prosecco and Franciacorta have moved to nocturnal picking to avoid heat damage and preserve the grapes' acidity and aroma.
Nighttime harvesting, typically between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., helps keep the grapes cool, reducing the need for artificial cooling and improving wine quality. Some producers have also shifted their harvest dates weeks earlier than traditional schedules, a trend observed over the past decade.
Data from the Italian agricultural association Coldiretti indicate that harvests in 2025 began up to 20 days earlier than in previous decades. The combination of early harvests and night work is becoming a standard practice, though it presents logistical challenges, including higher labor costs and the need for specialized equipment.
Experts warn that without further adaptation, rising temperatures could alter the flavor profile of iconic sparkling wines. However, many producers view these changes as an opportunity to innovate and maintain the region's reputation for quality.
