Germany’s vineyards are thriving this season! According to the German Wine Institute (DWI), vines across the 13 official wine regions are in excellent health and right on track for this time of year.

In scenic spots like Lake Constance and the harbor town of Meersburg, the vineyards are not only lush but starting to show the first signs of ripening – with some red grapes already beginning to change colour. This year’s growing season is just slightly ahead of last year’s, which was also an early one.

Minimal Weather Damage So Far
Other than a few isolated hailstorms, vineyards have been lucky. Even the record-setting heat in early July, peaking at 39°C – caused very little sunburn damage to the grapes.

Dry Conditions Raising Concerns
One issue on winegrowers’ minds is the lack of consistent rainfall. Young vines with shallow roots are feeling the stress, while older vines in deep soils are holding up well for now.

First New Wine Coming Soon
The harvest for Federweißer – a young, lightly fermented wine is expected to start in the last week of August, with early-ripening grapes likely picked starting in early September.

What Growers Are Hoping For
To keep things on track, winegrowers are wishing for warm (but not too hot) days, along with a few good rain showers between now and harvest.