A continuous record of grape harvests in Burgundy, dating back to 1354, has revealed a dramatic shift in recent decades, signaling the effects of climate change. This record, maintained by vineyard workers for over six centuries, previously showed an average harvest date around September 27, with variations influenced by climate, famines, or historical events like the Little Ice Age. However, since 1988, the timing of harvests has begun to shift much more rapidly than in previous centuries. Historically, extreme early harvest years—those occurring significantly earlier than average—happened roughly every 53 years between 1720 and 1987. Since 1988, these events have become much more frequent, occurring about every five years. Around 80% of these changes are linked to rising summer temperatures, which have accelerated grape ripening. In 2019, the average harvest date moved to September 6, about three weeks earlier than the historical average. In 2025, the harvest for crémant (sparkling wine) began as early as the beginning of August, marking a new record for early harvests in Burgundy. A veteran winery worker in Lugny, with nearly four decades of experience, said he had never seen such an early start. The regional employment agency confirmed that the 2026 harvests will begin between early and mid-August across the region, a first in Burgundy’s history. Traditionally, harvests in prestigious areas like Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune begin in mid-September. This trend is not unique to Burgundy. Champagne, Bordeaux, and Languedoc-Roussillon have also experienced historically early harvests this year, with some beginning as early as July. The same period saw the largest forest fire in Belgium’s history, burning about 3,000 hectares and requiring aerial firefighting support from across Europe. The early harvests are causing concern among local producers, as they disrupt long-standing work schedules and raise questions about the future of traditional grape varieties in the region. For climate researchers, the historical records from Beaune are invaluable. They offer a continuous, long-term view of temperature changes that no other data set can match, making them a key tool for understanding global warming.