Yecla's grape growers optimistic for a 30-40% harvest boost after years of drought

After a tough few years marked by persistent drought, the vineyards of Yecla are finally looking ahead to better times. The grape harvest for 2025 is expected to increase by between 30% and 40% compared to last year’s low point, when only 6.1 million kilos of grapes were harvested, the smallest yield in the past five years.

 

Winemaker Antonio Candela explained the improvements but also offered a word of caution.

 

“We expect a 30% to 40% increase compared to last year,” he said, “but we’ve had years of drought and very low production. Compared to a normal year, there would still be a 10% to 15% decrease.”

 

This reflects the enduring impact of severe water shortages, which have not only reduced yields but also caused “severe wear” to the vines, according to the Yecla Regulatory Council. The vines are still recovering from three consecutive difficult seasons.

 

Another important point is that not all grapes grown in Yecla are declared under the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) label. Some winegrowers choose not to register certain harvests officially, either because of quality reasons or a preference to produce non-PDO wines, such as single-varietal or specialty batches.

 

Additionally, some bulk wines made from PDO grapes are deliberately not marketed under the designation, in line with decisions by the Regulatory Council. This means that official PDO figures may not fully capture the total volume of wine produced in the region.

 

The first picks of early white grape varieties are already underway in some estates, with the main body of the harvest scheduled to begin towards the end of the month. As growers prepare for the coming weeks, they remain cautious but hopeful that the improving weather conditions will help them produce grapes of both good quantity and quality.

 

The ongoing climate challenges make careful monitoring crucial, and growers keep a close eye on weather forecasts, particularly wary of the threat of late-summer storms that could affect the harvest’s progress.

 

Yecla’s grape growers, supported by local winemakers and the regulatory authorities, remain committed to building on this recovery. With the right combination of favourable weather and skilled craftsmanship, they hope this year marks a turning point toward more consistent and plentiful harvests.