The Loire looks set to join Burgundy, Champagne and Bordeaux with one of the earliest harvests on record this year, according to local growers.

Loire trade body Vins de Loure said early ripening, high temperatures and dry conditions mean producers expect to begin harvesting towards the end of August, several weeks earlier than the usual start time.

The trade body expressed optimism about the health and condition of the vines, although this can only be decided during the crucial few weeks before the harvest.

"Conditions during the flowering period were excellent," said a spokesman for Vins de Loire.

"This started in the Muscadet area on 15 May and in the Touraine towards the end of May - a good three weeks earlier than average."

Meanwhile, the Bordeaux en primeur 2010 campaign is drawing to an end, with Decanter reporting that merchants say it has been the second most successful vintage of all time, after the 2009.