French wine production is forecast to fall to almost 34 million hectolitres in 2026, putting the harvest 17% below its recent average after drought and heatwaves hit vineyards across the country.
h the Ministry of Agriculture estimating production of almost 34 million hectolitres for 2026.
Based on current estimates output is expected to fall 6% compared with 2025 and sit 17% below the 2021 to 2025 average. The ministry attributed the decline both to a reduction in productive vineyard area and lower yields caused by adverse weather, particularly drought and summer heatwaves.
The national figure masks considerable regional variation, however, with some wine regions suffering substantial reductions and others recording modest improvements following poor yields in 2025.
Heat and drought take their toll
France's Ministry of Agriculture said repeated heatwaves and drought had caused widespread damage, with the average national temperature reaching 24.9°C in July, above the previous records cited for 2003 and 1976. Some 65% of France experienced what the ministry described as "unprecedented drought", with water restrictions imposed in 95 departments and 79 classified as being in ...