Harvest 2026 is underway

Harvesting began at Cazal Viel on 05 August, with harvesting at Auzines due to begin shortly.

This is always a pivotal and uplifting time in the vineyard calendar, when a year’s worth of care and dedication finally takes shape in the fruit. The days may be long, but the sense of anticipation is worth every moment.

This year, the start of harvest follows a particularly challenging few weeks with high temperatures and several fires. We have not suffered any direct impact from the fires and we count ourselves lucky compared to wine growers in the southwest of France, who have been through a very difficult summer with intense fires and extraordinary temperatures.

One of the cornerstones of our approach to winemaking is night harvesting. We’ve been doing this for years — long before it became common practice — because Laurent knew the difference it makes to the finesse and freshness of our wines. In the past, some saw it as an unnecessary expense, but the effects of a warming climate have made it not only beneficial, but essential. Working from dusk to dawn allows us to pick grapes at cooler temperatures, preserving their natural aromas and acidity.

Over the next few weeks, our team will be working around the clock. The tanks and barrels are cleaned, ready, and waiting to receive this year’s harvest. Thanks to a lot of rainfall last winter, early tests have shown an excellent balance of sugar, acidity, and phenolic ripeness — a promising sign for the vintage ahead.

We’ll be sharing updates throughout the season, so keep an eye on our social channels for a closer look at the journey from vineyard to bottle.

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