The record-breaking heatwave in June is scorching French vineyards (Picture: Doucelin/NurPhoto/Shutterstock) Not since the Battle of Trafalgar has the mood been quite so different on both sides of the Channel. Up and down French wine country, scorching heat – including the 40C highs seen last month – has damaged vineyards and ruined the world-renowned taste of their grapes. But in the English home counties, and beyond, hotter temperatures have helped produce the highest-quality wine and largest yields ever seen. Climate change is upending France’s wine dominance and putting the UK in a prime spot to take over. Metro spoke with experts and winemakers from both countries to explore how fluctuating temperatures are causing chaos in the industry, and what is being done to catch up. Sign up for