Champagne harvest starts early in France as heatwave speeds ripening

Aerial and close-up footage shows an early Champagne grape harvest in Tours-sur-Marne as heatwaves force smaller crews and faster picking schedules

Aerial shots show grape pickers moving through vineyards in Tours-sur-Marne as crews harvest under soaring temperatures.

Heatwave forces early start and smaller crews Driven by recent heatwaves, this year's Champagne grape harvest is kicking off earlier than ever.

In Tours-sur-Marne, near Épernay, winegrower Ophélie Lapie-Lamiable is starting five days ahead of schedule. She is tackling the work with just half her usual crew as seasonal workers cut summer holidays short.

Ripening accelerates across the region The accelerated ripening has disrupted schedules for growers and seasonal workers alike.

Teams move faster to bring in fruit before quality drops under the heat.