According to the latest report from the French Ministry of Agriculture, the total wine harvest is now expected to reach just 39.3 million hectoliters, down from the previous estimate of 40 to 43 million hectoliters made in August.
Several key factors, including extreme weather conditions, plant diseases, and deforestation, are driving this reduction in volume, with some regions being hit particularly hard.
Weather Extremes and Vine Diseases
Unfavorable weather conditions have taken a major toll on France's vineyards this year. Frost, hailstorms, and droughts—some of which are attributed to climate change—have exacerbated the decline in harvest volumes. Frost is one of the primary culprits, especially in regions like the Jura, which is expected to see a staggering 71% reduction in yield compared to last year. In addition, the spread of vine diseases such as mildew, caused by persistent humidity in some regions, has added to the challenges.
These extreme weather patterns are part of a longer-term trend. French vineyards have been increasingly vulnerable to climate variability, leading to a series of low-yield vintages in recent years, notably in 2017 and 2021. Despite the reduced volume expected this year, production will still outpace those particularly challenging years, but only slightly.
Regional Impacts: Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Beyond
The impact of the poor growing season has not been uniform across the country, with certain regions facing much steeper declines than others:
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Bordeaux: Production is expected to drop by 10%, bringing the total harvest volume to under 4 million hectoliters. This is a sharp reduction in a region already grappling with consecutive years of smaller harvests.
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Loire Valley: Here, the situation is even more dire, with a projected decline of 35% due to adverse weather and disease.
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Burgundy and Beaujolais: Both regions are set to experience a 25% reduction, with yields particularly affected by unfavorable spring conditions and mildew outbreaks.
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Champagne: Despite its reputation for resilience, Champagne will see a 16% decline in its grape harvest this year.
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Alsace: Production is forecast to decrease by 13%, with mildew being a primary concern for winegrowers in this northeastern region.
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Southwest (Provence and Rhône Valley): A more modest decline of 12% is anticipated here, although growers are still grappling with unpredictable weather patterns.
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Languedoc-Roussillon: One of France’s most productive wine regions, will see a relatively small 4% drop, making it one of the less affected areas.
The Southwest Sees a Rare Increase
In contrast to most of the country, the southwest of France is the only region expected to see a slight uptick in production. The area is forecasted to produce 1% more wine than in 2023, a bright spot in an otherwise grim national outlook. This is attributed to favorable weather conditions and less exposure to the severe frost and mildew outbreaks seen elsewhere.
Source: Vitisphere