2025-02-19
In 2024, Bordeaux faced its smallest wine harvest in over 30 years, with production dropping by 14%. This decline resulted from both weather conditions and a reduction in vineyard areas. The Bordeaux region, France's largest AOC vineyard, produced 3.3 million hectoliters, down from 3.8 million in 2023. The vineyard area shrank from 103,000 to 95,000 hectares due to two removal plans, marking the lowest since 1985. Weather challenges included frost, mildew from heavy spring rains, and coulure, which affected flower fertilization due to June rains. These factors reduced the yield per hectare to 35.1 hectoliters from 37.2 in 2023.
The Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) hopes the smaller harvest will help address overproduction issues by reducing stock levels and increasing bulk wine prices. However, the American market remains a concern. Christophe Chateau, CIVB's communication director, noted that last year they sold 3.5 million hectoliters while producing 3.3 million, indicating potential stock depletion and price increases if sales continue to exceed production. The U.S. market, Bordeaux's largest export market by value, generated 340 million euros in 2024. The risk of increased tariffs, especially with Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency, poses a threat. Chateau expressed concern about potential 25% tariffs on French wines, which could reduce U.S. sales and prolong market imbalance. The situation remains uncertain, and the impact on Bordeaux's wine market is yet to be determined.