French wine production is set to fall below 3.4 billion liters this year due to drought and recurring heatwaves that have scorched vineyards across the country, according to government forecasts released on Monday. The Champagne region has been hit hardest, with production expected to drop by nearly half, while the average weight of grape bunches reached its lowest point in 20 years.
Harsh summer weather forced winemakers to begin the harvest much earlier than usual. Most vineyards started picking in August, as extreme temperatures accelerated grape ripening. The Agreste statistical service at the French Ministry of Agriculture reported that «soil drought has intensified across the country» and that heatwaves caused «sunburn, scorching, leaf drop, and shriveling of grapes» in some vineyards. In Champagne, growers brought in their earliest harvest on record, racing to pick before rising sugar levels led to excessively high potential alcohol content.
Regional outlook and agricultural impact
In contrast, the southern wine region of Languedoc-Roussillon is projected to see a 5% increase in production compared to last year’s weak harvest, which was roughly 13% below the five-year average. Despite this recovery, production in the region will still remain 8% below average levels. According to Agreste, conditions were initially promising, with grapes developing well and disease levels remaining low. However, the service noted that «hot and dry summer conditions have compromised this potential».
If these estimates are confirmed, France’s total wine production this year will fall below 3.4 billion liters, marking the lowest level since 1957—a 70-year low.
The impact of the summer heat has extended to other crops. According to a report by the agricultural association Copa-Cogeca released last week, corn losses reached 50–70% in Slovenia, 40% in France, and 20–25% in Italy, with losses hitting 70% in some non-irrigated areas. In Croatia, fruit and grape production is expected to drop by approximately 30%.
French Minister of Ecology Monique Barbier estimated the economic damage from the summer heat at 10–15 billion euros, representing up to 0.5% of GDP. On Friday, Paris announced over 1 billion euros in emergency aid for farmers, though agricultural organizations argue the package is insufficient.
Source: Politico
