French wine regions increase white grape plantings as climate and consumer trends reshape industry

French wine regions are making notable changes in their vineyards as consumer preferences shift and climate conditions evolve. In recent years, several areas traditionally known for red wine have begun prioritizing white grape varieties. This move is driven by both market demand and the need to adapt to environmental challenges.

Data from the SOWINE/Dynata Wine & Drinks Barometer highlights a clear trend: among UK consumers, Sauvignon Blanc is now the most sought-after French grape variety, with 31% of those surveyed actively looking for it. Merlot follows at 29%, and Chardonnay at 26%. The survey also found that 89% of respondents drink white wine, compared to 81% who drink red. While the UK is just one market, this pattern reflects a broader global decline in red wine consumption, which could impact French vineyards from Burgundy to the Pyrenees in the coming years.

Beaujolais, a region historically dominated by red wine production—mainly Gamay—has announced plans to triple its white wine output within the next decade. Olivier Badoureaux, director general of Inter Beaujolais, explained that while Beaujolais is currently 94% red wine, there is a strong ambition to increase white wine production from 4% to 12%. The region’s unique soils, which were mapped extensively in the early 2000s, provide an ideal environment for Chardonnay. Some of the increase will come from redirecting Chardonnay grapes that were previously bottled as Bourgogne Blanc or crémant back into Beaujolais-labeled wines. This strategy aims to meet growing demand for lighter, fresher wines in key export markets like the UK and US.

In Roussillon, near the Spanish border, producers are also increasing plantings of white varieties. Currently, about 38% of Roussillon’s vineyards are planted with white grapes such as Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat d’Alexandrie, and Macabeo/Viura. Eric Aracil of the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon (CIVR) noted that Grenache Gris stands out for its versatility and resilience in different soils—a crucial factor as climate change brings hotter and drier conditions. Aracil emphasized that while consumer trends play a role, the shift toward whites is also about producing wines that fit modern eating habits and social occasions.

Not all regions are following this path. Bordeaux remains closely associated with its red blends of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Although Bordeaux has a history of white wine production—especially before the 1970s—the region has not set targets to increase white grape plantings. Instead, Bordeaux is focusing on diversification and adapting to climate change by introducing new grape varieties like Alvarinho/Albariño for their resilience rather than their popularity. The total vineyard area in Bordeaux has declined by about 14% over the past decade, with more red vines being uprooted but not necessarily replaced with whites.

Sancerre and other parts of Centre-Loire offer an example of how regions can reinvent themselves. Once dominated by red grapes like Gamay and Pinot Noir, Sancerre shifted toward Sauvignon Blanc after phylloxera devastated vineyards in the late 19th century. Today, Sauvignon Blanc accounts for about 80% of plantings in Centre-Loire, showing how regions can adapt to survive crises.

Provence has seen a modest rise in white wine production—from 4% to 6% between 2022 and 2024—but rosé remains its main focus. A spokesperson for the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Provence (CIVP) said that while there is growing interest in whites for export and tourism, there are no formal targets for further increases.

Major producers like Barton & Guestier report a slight uptick in white wine production across their portfolio, especially in Bordeaux Blancs and Loire Valley whites. Head winemaker Laurent Prada noted that sparkling wines are also seeing increased demand.

The shift from red to white wine production in France is not uniform across all regions but reflects a combination of changing consumer tastes and practical responses to climate pressures. As some areas embrace more white varieties and others hold onto tradition or diversify cautiously, France’s wine landscape continues to evolve in response to both market forces and environmental realities.