Harvest has become a reality in Alicante as heat accelerates grape ripening, prompting harvest crews to start work three weeks earlier than usual. This early push comes with forecasts of a smaller season, driven by the persistent drought and record temperatures, leading to a projected drop of 1.4 million liters in wine production, about 10 percent below the prior cycle. Despite the looming decline, the industry hopes to close the year with sales close to last year, a period that had already rebounded from the pandemic, even as uncertainty hangs over the broader economy.
The trend toward an earlier harvest was anticipated and confirmed as the second week of August began, well ahead of the typical finish at the end of August or early September. Weather volatility caused grape ripening to speed up, with some lots failing to reach adequate size or suffering sunburn in exposed zones. The drought that intensified in recent months further contributed to the 10 percent national decrease in production.
The anticipated shortfall translates directly into lower output for the Alicante Denomination of Origin, whose 45 member wineries are expected to produce 1.4 million liters less than originally planned. The final volume would settle around 12.6 million liters. Beyond volume, attention will focus on the evolving quality of grapes, since heat and water stress can alter physicochemical parameters of fruit in the most affected areas.
Industry realities are already visible in the field and the corridors of the region. One of the region’s oldest wineries, Casa Sicilia in Novelda, is busy at full tilt with traditional varieties such as Moscatel and Albariño. A winemaker from Casa Sicilia notes that production remains on target, with a potential output near 100,000 liters, and confirms a favorable quality outlook. The market remains uncertain, yet the winery emphasizes its commitment to eco tourism and direct sales to support its wines.
At Vinessens in Villena, the outlook is more cautious. The manager cites a normal business trajectory under the current constraints, while acknowledging that raw materials are highly volatile and price transmission is challenging. The firm exports the vast majority of its wines, and the broader international climate adds complexity, with buyers hesitant to absorb higher costs and logistics pressures complicating pricing strategies. This scenario echoes across many producers who face price sensitivity and supply volatility in a tight global market.
The situation has tangible implications for the DO Alicante. In recent reports, the council sees a mixed picture for the year, noting that sales trends mirror last year as the sector aims to maintain pre pandemic levels. The DO Alicante manager highlights a robust turnover of more than 34 million euros in 2021, compared with around 30 million euros during the darkest stretch of the health crisis, with summer performing solidly but autumn and next year presenting a more uncertain horizon due to the broader economic context. This ongoing dynamic underscores the resilience of the region’s wine industry even as climate pressures and market volatility persist, and it invites ongoing attention from producers and marketers alike for adaptive strategies and value-driven growth. [Citation: DO Alicante]
Strong heat accelerates the harvest in Alicante and trims the crop by 10 percent
The response from the Denomination of Origin mirrors the practical reality on the ground. Wineries are adapting harvest schedules, assessing fruit quality, and recalibrating expectations for final volumes. The emphasis remains on maintaining high quality while navigating the pressures of heat, drought, and evolving global demand. The sector continues to monitor yields, grape size, and physicochemical integrity across vineyards, with careful documentation of how climate variables shape the vintage outcomes. [Attribution: Regional Wine Council]
From the DO itself, the outlook for the year centers on reproducing last year’s sales performance while aiming to consolidate gains achieved when demand rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. A steady summer gives way to cautious optimism about autumn and the coming year, even as the economic environment presents ongoing challenges. The overall narrative is one of measured resilience, with producers balancing quality, price sensitivity, and market expectations in a climate of uncertainty.