Frost hits Champagne

Champagne growers say frost has destroyed around 40% of buds in the region, raising concern for the 2026 harvest after vines developed unusually early and were hit by late cold snaps across northern France.

CIVC said the damage is the second worst since 2003, when 45% of buds were lost, with vines already around three weeks ahead of normal development, making them more vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
Officials said it is still too early to estimate final crop losses, as the vine cycle is not complete and weather conditions in the coming months will play a key role before harvest.

Late spring frosts remain one of the most closely watched risks due to their ability to sharply reduce yields and impact global supply across key export markets.