The incredible summer weather in this area and the more or less total lack of rain for the last couple of months has meant that agriculture has been suffering.
Up until last week there was a ban on using water for hosepipes or washing cars and all eyes are on the weather forecast where rain is expected later on today
One of the side-effects has been that certain vineyards have actually started picking their grapes for the vendemmia last week (article here)
Normally here in this valley, the vendemmia takes place at the end of September or even sometimes at the start of October.
Picking started in a couple more vineyards this morning and if the weather holds up should continue through the weekend.