Grape-pickers were out in French vineyards Tuesday bringing in this year's harvest in "torrid" conditions as temperatures shot past 40C in some areas of the country during a "heat dome" weather pattern that has brought misery to millions.The timing of grape harvesting varies around the country depending on the type of grapes, local weather conditions and the flavours and alcohol content desired by the wine maker, with southern vineyards usually kicking off the season in August.