France's wine industry is facing a historic low harvest for 2026, largely due to a series of summer heatwaves. Estimates from the ministry of agriculture, published on Wednesday, indicate a total harvest of approximately 35 million hectolitres. This figure represents a 2% reduction compared to the 2025 yield and is 14% below the average for 2021-2025.
The International Organisation of Vine and Wine noted that France's 2025 production was its lowest since 1957. The current decline is attributed to hot weather, partially offset by recent rainfall, and a 1.9% reduction in cultivated areas over the past year.
While some southern regions, including Bordeaux, anticipate a rise in production this year, the Champagne region has fared less well. Growers there harvested exceptionally early due to extreme heat, leading to production being down by half compared to last year and the five-year average. In Burgundy and Beaujolais, production is projected to be 30% lower than the five-year average.