French vineyards are forecasting a 30-year low in wine production due to severe drought and heatwaves, with initial estimates showing a 17% drop compared to the 2021-2025 average.
Initial estimates from the agriculture ministry suggest winemakers will produce just under 34 million hectolitres this year, a 6% decrease from last year and 17% below the 2021-2025 average. The drop is attributed to extreme weather conditions, including intense heat and dryness, which caused damage to grape crops. Agreste, the government’s farming statistics body, noted that the summer was particularly hot and dry, leading to soil drought, sun scald, scorching, defoliation, and wilting of the grapes, reducing harvest volumes.
Some regions, such as Champagne and Jura, are expected to experience significant losses, with Champagne's harvest predicted to be nearly half that of last year. The Jura region in the east is estimated to face a 37% loss, while Burgundy-Beaujolais is expected to see a one-third reduction. Winemakers in Bordeaux and Languedoc-Roussillon, as well as those in the south-east and south-west, reported higher harvests this year but all, except the Savoie region, were down on the 2021-2025 five-year average for production.
Why it matters
Lower production and quality risks may increase wine prices and reduce exports in the short term.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether the agriculture ministry releases updated production forecasts in the coming weeks.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.