The forecast comes from the National Institute of Vine and Wine (IVV), which estimates that the 2026 harvest could produce around 7.3 million hectolitres of wine, provided weather conditions remain favourable over the coming weeks.

One of the biggest changes this year is in the regional rankings. The Douro is expected to become Portugal's second-largest wine-producing region, overtaking Lisbon thanks to an estimated harvest of more than 1.1 million hectolitres. The increase follows favourable growing conditions throughout much of the season.

Several other wine regions are also forecasting a larger harvest. The Alentejo, Portugal's biggest wine-producing region, expects production to rise by around 20%, while growers in the Douro have previously predicted an increase of between 25% and 30% compared with last year's harvest.

The outlook has been helped by a combination of winter rainfall and generally favourable weather during the growing season, although producers will continue to monitor conditions closely until the grapes are picked. As with every harvest, the final figures will depend on the weather in the weeks leading up to the vindima /grape harvest/.

The grape harvest is already beginning in some of Portugal's warmer wine regions and will continue across the country over the coming weeks, with the Douro traditionally reaching its busiest period later in the summer.

Portugal is one of the world's leading wine-producing countries, with more than a dozen recognised wine regions producing everything from Port and Vinho Verde to Alentejo reds and sparkling wines. A larger harvest is welcome news for producers after more challenging seasons in some parts of the country.