Earliest Ice Wine Harvest in Years as Temperatures Hit Minus 8°C

In the wine region of Rheinhessen, Germany, the first ice wine harvest of the season began over the weekend, marking one of the earliest starts in recent years. The Bischofsmühle winery in Nieder-Olm was among the first to begin picking frozen grapes, taking advantage of a cold snap that brought temperatures down to minus 8 degrees Celsius. These conditions are considered ideal for producing ice wine, a specialty that requires grapes to freeze naturally on the vine before harvest.

The harvest started before dawn, with workers braving the cold to pick grapes while they were still frozen. This process is essential for ice wine production because it concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, resulting in a sweet and aromatic wine. The early start to this year’s harvest is notable, as suitable freezing temperatures have become less predictable in recent years due to changing weather patterns.

This year’s harvest at Bischofsmühle is also significant because it marks the first time since 2018 that the winery has been able to produce ice wine. In addition, the winery is testing a new grape variety that is more robust and better suited to withstand changing climate conditions. Max Zimmermann, who oversees operations at Bischofsmühle, said that experimenting with new grape varieties is necessary to ensure the future of ice wine production in the region.

Ice wine is a traditional product in Germany, but its production has become increasingly rare. The process depends on a combination of late-season ripening and an early winter freeze, which does not always occur reliably. Many wineries have struggled in recent years as warmer winters have made it difficult to achieve the necessary conditions for harvesting frozen grapes.

The successful harvest at Bischofsmühle has generated optimism among local winemakers. They hope that innovations such as new grape varieties will help maintain Rheinhessen’s reputation for high-quality ice wines despite ongoing climate challenges. The early harvest also means that this year’s vintage could reach consumers sooner than usual, offering a rare treat for enthusiasts of this unique style of wine.

As climate change continues to affect traditional winemaking regions across Europe, producers in Rheinhessen and beyond are adapting their methods and experimenting with new approaches. The experience at Bischofsmühle this year may serve as a model for other wineries facing similar challenges. For now, the successful start to the ice wine season is being celebrated by winemakers and wine lovers alike in Rheinhessen.