Vin de France Wines Drive Over 30% Export Growth Since 2015

At Wine Paris 2026, Valérie Pajotin, director of ANIVIN, spoke about the rapid growth of the “Vin de France” category and its impact on both the French and international wine markets. Created in 2010, Vin de France was designed to offer winemakers a space free from the strict regulations that define traditional French wine classifications such as AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) and IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée). This freedom has allowed producers to experiment with blends and styles that were previously not possible under older systems.

Pajotin explained that the core of Vin de France is its flexibility. Winemakers can blend grape varieties from different regions across France, without being limited by geographic or varietal restrictions. This approach has led to a wide range of innovative wines, including orange wines—white wines made with extended skin contact—and “blouge,” a new style created by blending white and red grapes to produce a light red wine. These styles have found particular success in export markets such as Los Angeles, where blouge has become a bestseller, and Japan, where orange wines are gaining popularity.

While there are some minor restrictions at the European level regarding certain protected grape varieties, Pajotin emphasized that these limitations are minimal. The vast majority of grape varieties can be used freely within the Vin de France category, giving winemakers significant creative latitude. This has resulted in a diverse array of wines that appeal to contemporary consumers looking for originality and new experiences.

The category has also become a platform for natural sparkling wines and other experimental products that do not fit into traditional French wine classifications. Many of these wines are now considered “hidden gems” by industry insiders and are attracting attention from importers and sommeliers worldwide.

Initially, Vin de France was conceived as a tool to help French producers compete with international brands in global markets. The idea was to give them the same kind of flexibility enjoyed by producers in countries like Australia or the United States, where blending across regions is common practice. Over time, however, the category has also gained traction within France itself, especially among younger consumers who are less attached to traditional appellations and more interested in innovation.

Pajotin noted that this shift reflects broader changes in global wine consumption patterns. As consumers become more adventurous and open to new styles, categories like Vin de France provide an important strategic advantage for French producers facing increased competition from abroad. The ability to create unique blends and respond quickly to market trends has helped maintain France’s reputation as a leader in wine innovation.

The success of Vin de France is evident in export figures. Wines under this label have seen steady growth in key markets such as the United States and Japan over the past decade. According to ANIVIN data, exports of Vin de France wines have increased by more than 30% since 2015, with particularly strong demand for unconventional styles like orange wine and blouge.

Industry observers at Wine Paris 2026 agreed that Vin de France represents a significant evolution in how French wine is produced and marketed. By removing many of the traditional constraints, the category has opened up new possibilities for creativity while helping French producers adapt to changing consumer preferences around the world. As global tastes continue to evolve, Vin de France is likely to remain at the forefront of innovation in the wine industry.