France expects one of its lowest wine harvests in recent decades

Wine production in France in 2026 could amount to about 35 million hectoliters and remain at one of the lowest levels in recent decades. The harvest suffered from summer heat, drought, and a reduction in vineyard area.

This estimate was published on October 7 by the statistical service Agreste of the French Ministry of Agriculture.

As of October 1, wine production is estimated at almost 35 million hectoliters. This is about 2% less than a year earlier and 14% below the average for 2021–2025.

However, the new forecast turned out slightly better than the September one. A month ago, French authorities expected production at around 34 million hectoliters. The estimate was raised primarily due to higher-than-expected results in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

Despite the revision, production volume remains extremely low. For comparison, the 2025 harvest was also weak: then France produced about 36 million hectoliters of wine.

One of the main reasons for the decline in production was weather conditions. Summer drought and periods of intense heat worsened vineyard yields in several key wine-growing regions. High temperatures accelerated berry ripening, and moisture deficit limited their size and quantity.

In addition, the gradual reduction in vineyard area affects production volume. French producers have been reducing plantings in recent years amid declining wine consumption and a difficult situation in certain export markets.

The situation varies significantly by region. In Languedoc-Roussillon, results were better than previously expected, while a number of other wine-growing zones suffered more from heat and drought.

The French wine industry has been facing low harvests for several years. In 2025, production volume was also about 16% below the average of the previous five years.

At the same time, producers are under pressure from demand. According to the French Ministry of Agriculture, exports of wine and spirits previously decreased in a number of major markets, including the United States, Canada, China, and Japan.

The final 2026 harvest figures may still change after the grape harvest is completed and data for individual regions are refined.