French Winegrowers Uproot Vines as Climate and Market Pressures Mount

In the Charente region of southwestern France, a winegrower has made the decision to uproot part of his vineyard in an effort to adapt to changing conditions and secure the future of his business. Gonzague Ordonneau, who manages a 40-hectare estate near Val-de-Cognac, recently removed three hectares of vines that were originally planted by his grandfather. The move comes as many French wine producers face economic and environmental challenges, including aging vines, rising maintenance costs, and shifting market demands.

Ordonneau explained that the vines he removed were old and required significant upkeep while yielding less fruit each year. By reducing the size of his vineyard, he aims to lower his operating costs and focus on improving the quality of his remaining production. He estimates that removing three hectares will save him about 600 hours of labor annually. This change is intended to help him maintain output levels while working more efficiently.

The decision was supported by a government program introduced at the end of 2024 by the French Ministry of Agriculture. The initiative, managed by FranceAgriMer, offers financial assistance to winegrowers who choose to reduce their vineyard area. The program is designed to help balance production volumes with market demand during a period of national crisis in the wine sector. Eligible growers receive a subsidy of 4,000 euros per hectare uprooted.

Ordonneau’s choice reflects a broader trend among French wine producers who are rethinking their approach in response to climate change and economic pressures. He plans to use the cleared land to prepare for replanting with grape varieties better suited to warmer temperatures and evolving weather patterns. This strategy is seen as a way to ensure the long-term sustainability of his vineyard and adapt to the realities facing the wine industry in France today.

The Charente region, known for its Cognac production, has seen similar changes as growers seek to modernize their operations and respond to both local and global shifts in wine consumption. The government’s support for vineyard reduction is part of a larger effort to stabilize the sector and encourage innovation among producers. As climate change continues to impact traditional winegrowing areas, many in the industry are watching closely to see how these adaptations will shape the future of French viticulture.