French Wine Production Falls Below Five-Year Average Amid Heatwave and Regional Disparities

France’s Ministry of Agriculture announced on Tuesday that it has lowered its forecast for this year’s wine production to 36 million hectoliters. This new estimate is a reduction from the 37.4 million hectoliters projected last month and represents a 1 percent decrease compared to last year’s harvest. The figure is also 16 percent below the country’s five-year average. The ministry cited the heatwave in August as the main reason for the decline, noting that hot and dry conditions accelerated grape ripening but limited berry growth, which late September rains could not reverse.

The grape harvest is now almost complete across France. According to the ministry, most wine regions have seen their production potential reduced by the summer weather. France remains the world’s second-largest wine producer after Italy and is the leading exporter by value. However, adverse weather over the past two years has affected output, and some winemakers have removed vineyards as part of surplus management policies.

The impact of this year’s weather has varied across regions. Champagne is expected to produce 2.1 million hectoliters, a 14 percent increase from last year, though still 10 percent below its five-year average. Producers in Champagne have reported good quality grapes despite the lower volume compared to historical norms.

In contrast, Charentes, which is important for Cognac production, is forecast to see output fall by 2 percent compared to last year, putting it 23 percent below its five-year average. Bordeaux and Languedoc-Roussillon, both major wine-producing areas, are expected to see declines of 2 percent and 9 percent respectively from last year’s levels. These regions will remain well below their recent averages.

Burgundy has fared better than some other regions, but neighboring Beaujolais experienced its lowest vineyard yields in at least 35 years due to poor weather and fungal disease. The Loire Valley stands out as an exception this year, with production expected to rise by 15 percent to 2.4 million hectoliters, bringing it closer to its five-year average.

Alsace is projected to see a 9 percent drop in output compared to last year, leaving it 17 percent below its average.

The ministry’s report highlights how climate conditions continue to challenge French wine producers. While some regions have managed to maintain or even increase their output, others are facing significant shortfalls as a result of extreme weather events and ongoing changes in vineyard management practices.