WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2007 Champagne harvest officially began today with the picking of the first grapes. Following a process carefully developed and perfected over hundreds of years, the harvest will move across the 323 villages of the region over the next two weeks.

"We are pleased to announce the beginning of the 2007 harvest to Champagne enthusiasts across the United States, the second largest Champagne export market behind the United Kingdom. Champagne shipments to our country have been increasing steadily for the last five years and we expect this trend to continue in 2007," said Office of Champagne, USA Director Sharon J. Castillo.

More than 100,000 workers and volunteers certified by the Comite Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) from across Europe will pick all the grapes by hand. Machine-harvesting is strictly forbidden in Champagne, according to the quality regulations of the Champagne appellation.

The Champagne region's distinctive chalky soil, cool climate, and strict regulations come together to create a unique sparkling wine impossible to duplicate anywhere else in the world. Only wines produced in the Champagne region of France can bear the Champagne name.

Weather Conditions and Impact of Global Warming

This year's harvest has been heavily influenced by unique weather conditions during the winter and spring months. The summer also set a record in Champagne, as the cloudiest summer ever recorded in the region. Weather conditions during the following weeks will be the final arbiter of the quality of this year's harvest.

Next: Part 2