Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
France is facing one of its poorest wine harvests in 30 years, with output in the Champagne region set to halve from 2025, the farm ministry said on Monday.
The shortfall follows shrinking vineyards alongside severe heat and drought that damaged vines and grapes.
In its initial estimate for this year’s production, the world’s second-largest producer behind Italy projected 33.9 million hectolitres – equivalent to about 4.5 billion standard bottles. This is 6 per cent below last year and 17 per cent down on the 2021 to 2025 average.
France recorded its hottest summer yet in 2026, as scientists say human-made climate change makes extreme weather events more intense and more frequent and Europe experiences the fastest warming of any continent.
A grape picker harvests grapes from the vines of Loïc and Marina Fourrure in Theix-Noyalo, near Vannes, western France. (AFP/Getty)
A hectolitre is equivalent to 100 litres or 133 standard wine bottles. The figures mark France’s third consecutive weak wine harvest, following low output in 2024 and 2025.
Although spring conditions had initially supported a better harvest outlook, summer drought and heatwaves damaged vines and reduced yields, the ministry said. In addition to the challenge from the weather, the industry was last year hit by U.S. tariffs, and consumption is at its lowest in over 60 years as economic pressures, changing tastes and health concerns have deterred drinkers.
French agriculture being hit hard
Wine output in Champagne is expected to be 49% down on 2025, and 47% below the five-year average.
Bourgogne-Beaujolais is forecast to be down by a third and Val de Loire and Charentes by 12% and 6% respectively. Languedoc-Roussillon, France’s largest producing basin, should rise 5% from last year’s weak harvest thanks to better yields, though output remains below average.
Wine output in Champagne is expected to be 49% down on 2025, and 47% below the five-year average. (Reuters)
Bordeaux is also expected to rebound 10% from 2025 after late-August rain helped offset drought stress, but production remains well below its five-year average. Most wine producers in France – like other European countries – started harvesting grapes unusually early this year as a result of extreme heat, the ministry said.
France is traditionally the world’s largest exporter by value. The production area fell 2.5% this year. Oversupply in the face of falling wine consumption has prompted winemakers to uproot a portion of their vineyards in past years.
Beyond the wine sector, most French agriculture producers have been badly hit by this summer’s record heatwaves that devastated crops, pastures and water supplies. France on Friday announced an emergency aid package for farmers of more than €1 billion ($1.16 billion).
Dining and Cooking