Portuguese producer Symington Family Estates has said it expects a low-yield harvest across its estates in the Douro, Alentejo and Vinho Verde regions.
Nonetheless, it added that it is seeing encouraging signs indicating quality.
The producer said that conditions this year have been more erratic compared to 2024.
December was exceptionally dry, while January, March and April saw above-average rainfall in all regions. In the Douro, March was the second wettest so far this century.
The rainy season was then followed by summer heatwaves. By the end of July, the Douro faced a 34% rainfall deficit with almost no rain across June and July. Meanwhile, temperatures in the region rose above 40°C.
According to Symington, the prolonged heat slowed berry development, resulting in a harvest likely to be 30% smaller than average in the Douro.
Phenological development, on the other hand, is broadly on track.
The harvest has already partially begun. White grapes are currently being harvested in the Douro and Alentejo, while red varieties continue to ripen.
At present, temperatures are gradually decreasing to normal seasonal levels, which Symington said brings ideal conditions for ripening the red grapes.
Following the harvest, Symington will export to the UK through Fells.
Also in the UK, Symington Family Estates is part-owner of Hambledon Wine Estate, which it acquired alongside Berry Bros. & Rudd in 2023. Hambledon has yet to publish any 2025 harvest predictions.
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