French Wine Production Forecast to Dip Under Five-Year Average Amid Hot, Dry Weather
France’s wine production is set to climb 3% from last year’s rain-damaged season, but remain 13% below the five-year average, the farm ministry reported on Tuesday. A severe August heatwave, drought conditions, and a shrinking vineyard area have weighed heavily on output in several key regions.
France, which competes with Italy and Spain for the title of the world’s largest wine producer, is forecast to deliver 37.4 million hectolitres (mln hl) of wine this year—well below last month’s projected range of 40 mln hl to 42.5 mln hl.
“The hot weather and drought in August affected several vineyards, particularly in Charentes, Burgundy, Beaujolais and Languedoc-Roussillon,” the ministry said.
“They reduced the juice content of the grapes and accelerated the ripening of the berries, which brought forward the harvest dates in many regions and led to a decline in production potential.”
Adding to the pressure is the reduction in vineyard surface, with more than 20,000 hectares uprooted since the last harvest across Bordeaux, the South-West, and Languedoc-Roussillon. France has subsidised the removal of vines to address oversupply amid falling wine consumption—an approach that has faced criticism from some producers who warn it makes southern regions more vulnerable to wildfires.
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Champagne began harvesting earlier than usual in early September. Despite poor flowering and extreme heat, output is expected to exceed 2024 volumes by 12%, though it is still projected to come in 10% below the five-year average.
In Bordeaux, harvesting kicked off in mid-August, with heatwaves denting yields. Production is expected to stay close to 2024 levels but remains 15% under the five-year average. The Beaujolais region faces its lowest yield since 2012, while Languedoc and the South-West are also bracing for reduced output. The Loire Valley, however, anticipates higher production compared to last year.
A hectolitre equals 100 litres, or roughly 133 bottles of wine.
