French wine output set to hit historic low after record summer heatwaves
Summary
The French agriculture ministry predicts this year’s wine harvest will be the lowest in history due to record summer heatwaves and a decrease in vineyard areas. Some regions like Bordeaux saw increased production, but others such as Champagne and Burgundy experienced sharp declines.Key Facts
- France’s 2026 wine harvest is expected to be around 35 million hectolitres, 14% below the 2021–2025 average.
- This would be the lowest wine production since records began, continuing a trend from 2025, which was the lowest since 1957.
- High temperatures caused early harvesting, especially in Champagne, where production dropped by half compared to last year.
- Vineyard areas in France decreased by 1.9% in the past year, contributing to lower output.
- Bordeaux’s production increased by 10% despite a smaller vineyard area, nearly reaching its four-year average.
- Burgundy and Beaujolais face a 30% drop in production compared to the five-year average.
- Southern regions showed resilience to heat due to adapted farming practices and May rainfall.
- The overall health of the harvest was good, with little disease affecting the grapes.
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