French wine output among lowest in 30 years after heatwaves

French Wine Production Hits Historic Low After 2026 Heatwaves and Drought

Impact of Extreme Weather on French Wine Industry

By Sybille de La Hamaide

PARIS, Sept 7 (Reuters) - France is likely to produce one of the lowest amounts of wine in the last three decades, with champagne output set to halve this year, after severe heat and drought damaged vines and grapes, the farm ministry said on Monday.

The world's second-largest wine producer recorded its hottest summer yet in 2026, as scientists say human-made climate change makes extreme weather events more intense and more frequent and Europe experiences the fastest warming of any continent.

Wine Production Forecasts and Trends

Following on from low output in 2024 and 2025, France was projected to produce 33.9 million hectolitres of wine in 2026 - equivalent to about 4.5 billion standard bottles. That would be 6% below last year and 17% down on the 2021 to 2025 average.

The ministry said conditions early in the year had been favourable, but then the summer drought and heatwaves damaged vines and reduced yields.

Early Harvests and Global Position

Most wine producers in France - like other European countries - tarted harvesting grapes unusually early this year, the ministry said.

France is traditionally the world's second-largest wine producer behind Italy and the largest exporter in value.

Additional Challenges Facing the Wine Sector

In addition to the challenge from the weather, the industry was last year hit by U.S. tariffs, and consumption is at its lowest in over 60 years as economic pressures, changing tastes and health concerns have deterred drinkers.

Regional Impacts and Output Changes

Champagne and Major Wine Regions

FRENCH AGRICULTURE BEING HIT HARD

Wine output in Champagne is expected to be 49% down on 2025, and 47% below the five-year average.

Bourgogne-Beaujolais is forecast to be down by a third and Val de Loire and Charentes by 12% and 6% respectively.

Production in Languedoc-Roussillon, which makes the most wine in France, should rise 5% from last year's weak harvest as yields improved, though output has remained below average.

Bordeaux is expected to rebound 10% from 2025 after late-August rain helped offset drought stress, but production remains well below its five-year average.

Vineyard Reductions and Broader Agricultural Impact

The production area was 2.5% smaller this year compared with last as oversupply in the face of falling consumption has led winemakers to uproot a portion of their vineyards.

French agriculture more broadly has been hit by this summer's record heatwaves and lack of rain.

Government Response

France on Friday announced an emergency aid package for farmers of more than €1 billion ($1.2 billion).

(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Joe Bavier; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Toby Chopra)