French Organic Wine Producers Warn of Slowdown as Vineyard Conversions Drop 40% in 2025

At the Millésime Bio fair in Occitania, France, organic wine producers expressed concern about the current state of the organic wine sector. The event, organized by SudVinBio, brought together producers, buyers and distributors for three days in Pérols, highlighting the region’s leadership in organic viticulture. Occitania remains the leading organic wine region in France, with 3,347 producers and 21.29% of its vineyards certified organic.

Despite this strong position, recent figures show a slowdown in the growth of organic vineyards nationwide. Organic vineyards now represent 7.6% of all French vineyards, a number that has increased over time. However, conversions to organic farming dropped by 40% in 2025. Producers say that while there is long-term growth, the cost and complexity of converting to organic methods have become significant barriers.

Charline and Nicolas Bouchard, fifth-generation winemakers from Laurens, attended the fair as regular exhibitors. They manage two estates: Abbaye Sylva Plana, which is certified organic under the Faugères AOP, and Domaine Deshenry in Côtes de Thongue IGP, which follows high environmental standards but halted its conversion to full organic status after two years due to high costs and strict requirements.

Nicolas Bouchard explained that participation in Millésime Bio is essential for visibility in a competitive market. He noted that business deals now take longer to finalize than before. Buyers often return to the fair for several years before making decisions, seeking consistency from producers. This shift reflects broader changes in consumer behavior since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Bouchard, consumers are buying less wine but are willing to pay more for higher quality products. This trend creates challenges for entry-level wines and does not always translate into immediate financial gains for producers who switch to organic methods.

François Delhan, a SudVinBio administrator and winegrower, confirmed that while the organic wine market follows trends seen in traditional wine markets, it has been less affected by recent downturns because more consumers are choosing organic options. Delhan pointed out that international trade agreements could help offset some domestic challenges. The new Mercosur agreement will reduce export taxes by 27% for shipments to Mexico and Brazil—two growing markets for French organic wines. Delhan said he can sell his wines at ten times the price in Brazil compared to France and expects these tax reductions to improve export opportunities.

Despite these positive signs abroad, many French producers face uncertainty at home. The high cost of conversion to organic farming and changing consumption patterns have made it difficult for some wineries to remain profitable. Delhan warned that many estates could be put up for sale in 2026 if current market conditions persist.

The Millésime Bio fair continues to serve as a key meeting point for those involved in the organic wine sector. However, participants agree that adapting to new market realities will require patience and long-term commitment from both producers and buyers.