French wine production falls to lowest level since 1950s

The French wine industry endured one of its most challenging years in recent memory in 2024, marked by a dramatic drop in production, persistent decline in domestic consumption, and an increasingly volatile export landscape. According to the annual report published June 6, 2025, by Vinetur, the sector suffered a 23% decrease in wine output compared to 2023, producing only 37 million hectoliters — the lowest volume since the 1950s.

This collapse was driven by severe climatic conditions that impacted nearly all major wine regions. Persistent spring rains, late frosts, and an aggressive spread of mildew decimated yields. Key producing areas such as Charentes, Jura, and the Loire Valley reported losses exceeding 30%. Even Champagne and Bordeaux experienced double-digit declines. The downturn in volumes was mirrored by a 21.7% fall in the total production value, as per INSEE estimates.

Despite the shortfall, French wine exports remained remarkably stable. Total volume increased slightly by 0.7%, reaching 11.17 million hectoliters, bolstered by strategic stock management and a rebound in demand from markets such as the United States. Export value, however, declined by 3.0% to €10.9 billion, reflecting weaker prices and changing consumer preferences in certain destinations. Exports to China plunged more than 17% in both volume and value, amid economic slowdown and intensified competition from Australian wines.

Domestically, wine consumption continued its downward trajectory, falling 3.6% to 23 million hectoliters — the lowest level since 1961. The decline was steepest in red wines, particularly in mass retail. White wines and entry-level Vins de France showed more resilience. Sparkling wine imports, led by Prosecco, gained traction, suggesting a shift among consumers toward more affordable alternatives to Champagne.

In supermarkets, still wine sales dropped by 4.9% in volume and 3.1% in value between January and November 2024. Champagne suffered the most among sparkling wines, down nearly 13% in volume. Meanwhile, imported sparkling wines posted gains, reflecting changing preferences in a price-sensitive market.

The structure of the wine sector also continued to consolidate. France's total vineyard area shrank to 783,000 hectares, a 0.7% decrease. This included the planned uprooting of 8,000 hectares in Bordeaux. The number of wine-growing operations also declined, with data from the Mutualité Sociale Agricole showing 42,711 farm managers in viticulture in 2023. Challenges in generational renewal remain acute, with a significant portion of growers nearing retirement.

The situation in 2024 highlights the growing impact of climate volatility on French viticulture. It also reflects deep changes in global and domestic demand. While France remains a leading wine exporter, with strong performance in key segments like white wines and certain appellations such as Bourgogne, the sector faces pressure to innovate and adapt.

Producers are being pushed to diversify portfolios, embrace new viticultural practices, and develop wines that align with evolving consumption habits, including lighter, lower-alcohol offerings and sustainable production. The continued shift toward premiumization in exports and the strategic management of stock suggest a sector that, while under stress, is finding ways to remain competitive in a transforming global market.