France estimates its lowest wine production of the century, hit by drought and extreme temperatures

France expects its lowest wine production of the century after severe drought, extreme temperatures and a reduction in cultivated areas affected vineyards. The Agriculture Ministry in Paris estimates that this year’s production will reach 34.9 million hectolitres, 2% below the 2025 level and 14% below the 2021–2025 average.

The estimate was revised slightly upward from the previous forecast of 33.9 million hectolitres, thanks to better-than-expected yields in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, France’s largest wine-growing area. One hectolitre is equivalent to 100 litres, or approximately 133 standard bottles.

The heatwave at the end of June, followed by an even hotter and drier period, slowed grape development and caused damage particularly to young vines. The situation varies from one region to another, however. In Languedoc-Roussillon, production could be 2% above the five-year average following rains at the end of summer.

In Champagne, the harvest ended at the beginning of September, the earliest ever recorded, while production was halved compared with 2025 and the recent average. Declines are also expected in Burgundy-Beaujolais, the Loire, Charentes, Jura and the southeast of the country. In Bordeaux, production is 10% higher than last year but remains 11% below the 2021–2025 average. French authorities have announced a support package for farmers worth more than one billion euros.