French Wine and Beer Consumption Declines as Sparkling Wines and Low-Alcohol Options Gain Popularity

A new report on French drinking habits, the 2026 SOWINE/DYNATA Barometer, reveals significant changes in how adults in France approach alcoholic beverages. The study, based on a December 2025 survey of 1,003 French adults aged 18 to 65, shows that moderation, diversification, and digital influence are now central to the market.

Wine and beer remain the most popular alcoholic drinks in France, but both have lost ground compared to previous years. Wine is still the top choice at 52%, down six points from last year, while beer follows closely at 51%, down five points. Champagne holds steady at 34%. Cocktails have gained slightly to reach 29%, and sparkling wines have seen a notable increase, now at 22%, up ten points from the previous year. Cider and pure spirits have both declined, with cider at 20% and spirits at 18%.

The number of French adults who identify as non-drinkers has risen to 18%, a one-point increase from last year. This trend toward moderation is also reflected in the growing popularity of low- and no-alcohol beverages. One-third of respondents say they have tried these products, with alcohol-free beer leading at 60%, followed by non-alcoholic cocktails (39%), spirits (27%), wine (24%), and sparkling options (18%). The main reasons for choosing these drinks are to reduce alcohol intake (43%) and for taste (39%), with taste becoming more important as product quality improves.

French consumers continue to see wine as an accessible and social beverage, but their relationship with it is changing. White wine remains the most widely consumed type at 91%, followed by Champagne at 87%, rosé at 85%, and red wine at 83%. Red wine consumption has dropped slightly but still attracts the most regular drinkers, with 30% saying they drink it weekly or more often. Taste is now the main motivation for drinking wine (41%), while pairing with food has dropped seven points to 38%, matching conviviality as a reason for consumption.

Consumption patterns are shifting as well. Rosé is the preferred choice for social occasions with friends, while sparkling wines are favored for aperitifs. In restaurants, wine consumption is strong: 84% of respondents say they drink wine in these settings, slightly more than those who drink it privately (82%). The by-the-glass service is now standard in restaurants, with 85% of consumers ordering wine this way at least occasionally. The main reasons are moderation—44% do not want more than one glass—better food pairing (35%), or being the only wine drinker at the table (26%).

When selecting a bottle in retail settings, consumers focus first on appellation (67%), then brand or estate name (55%), taste descriptions and food pairings (48%), grape varieties (47%), and vintage (47%). Large-scale distribution remains dominant for wine purchases at 84%, but specialized wine shops are rebounding, now used by 44% of consumers—a six-point increase from last year.

Regional identity continues to play a key role in consumer choices. Bordeaux leads as the most preferred region (61%), followed by Bourgogne (58%), Champagne (42%), Rhône (40%), and Alsace (39%). Chardonnay is the most popular grape variety at 41%, followed by Pinot Noir (31%), Merlot (27%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), Riesling (22%), and Sauvignon Blanc (21%).

Wine tourism is also gaining traction. Thirty-five percent of French wine consumers have visited a wine region for its heritage value. Bordeaux remains the top destination at 33%, though it has declined four points since last year. Bourgogne has increased to 30%, and Champagne has grown significantly to reach 23%. The most popular activities during these visits are gastronomic experiences (40%), vineyard walks (33%), and cellar tours (32%). Among those who have not yet participated in wine tourism, 68% express interest in visiting a region for its viticultural heritage.

Spirits consumption is softening overall. Fifty-eight percent of respondents report drinking spirits neat, down five points from last year, while cocktail consumption fell to 59%. Rum remains the most consumed spirit both neat (78%) and in cocktails (55%). Whisky follows at 72% neat and vodka at 60%. Gin continues to gain popularity, rising five points in neat consumption to reach 52%. Most consumers spend between €21 and €50 per bottle, indicating a move toward mid-range premiumization.

Beer consumption is also slowing. Sixty-two percent of French people report drinking beer, down five points from last year. Blonde beer remains nearly universal among beer drinkers at 96%. Other styles include blanche (78%), ambrée (72%), brune (68%), flavored beers (66%), IPA (50%, up four points), and sour beers (30%, up five points). Local and French beers are preferred by 64% of consumers, followed by imported beers at 48% and craft beers at 47%. Industrial beer lags behind at 44%. Beer is mainly consumed socially: with friends (43%) or family (39%).

Digital influence continues to expand across all categories. Online purchasing is growing: 39% of wine buyers and 42% of spirits buyers now shop online. Specialized wine shops lead online sales for wine buyers at 33%, followed closely by large-scale distribution sites at 32% and producers’ websites at 31%. For spirits buyers online, producers lead with 32%, followed by large-scale distribution at 28% and specialized shops at 27%.

Social media platforms play an increasing role in shaping consumer choices. Thirty-four percent of users follow wine estates or brands on TikTok—a six-point increase—and Instagram follows closely at 31%. Nearly half of those who follow influencers say they value their recommendations. Twenty percent of French consumers report having purchased a recommended wine online via social media; this figure rises to 45% among young adults aged 18-25.

Artificial intelligence is also entering the sector: thirty percent of French consumers say they have used AI tools to gather information about wine or spirits before making a purchase decision.

International comparisons show diverging trends. In the United States, beer remains the top alcoholic beverage preference at 44%. Wine and spirits share second place among American consumers at 35% each. Americans are more likely than the French to drink wine at home rather than in restaurants—87% versus just over four out of ten in France—and social media has a stronger influence on purchasing decisions among younger U.S. drinkers.

The findings from this year’s barometer point toward a French market that is smaller in volume but higher in engagement. Consumers are seeking more diverse options, showing greater interest in sparkling wines and low- or no-alcohol alternatives while relying increasingly on digital channels for information and purchases. The hospitality sector remains central for wine consumption in France, but retail channels are evolving as specialized shops regain ground alongside traditional supermarkets. As digital tools become more integrated into daily life, their impact on beverage choices will likely continue to grow across all age groups.