In 2024, Bordeaux experienced its smallest wine harvest in over three decades. This decline was due to subsidized removal of vineyard plots and low yields caused by weather conditions. The Bordeaux wine region, the largest AOC vineyard in France, saw a production of 3.3 million hectoliters, down from 3.8 million in 2023, marking a 14% drop. This decrease is partly due to the vineyard area shrinking from 103,000 to 95,000 hectares. Two successive removal plans reduced the cultivated area to its lowest since 1985, far from the 125,000 hectares in the early 2000s.
Weather played a significant role in this decline. Frost, mildew—a fungus exacerbated by heavy spring rains—and coulure, a condition affecting flower fertilization due to June rains, all impacted yields. The yield per hectare fell to 35.1 hectoliters from 37.2 in 2023. Despite these challenges, the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) hopes the smaller harvest will help address the overproduction issue that has plagued the region in recent years. By reducing stock levels, they aim to increase bulk wine prices.
The American market remains a significant concern. Christophe Chateau, CIVB’s communication director, noted that last year they sold 3.5 million hectoliters while producing 3.3 million. This suggests that if sales exceed production, stocks will deplete, potentially raising prices. However, uncertainty looms over the U.S. market, Bordeaux’s largest export market by value, generating 340 million euros in 2024. The risk of increased tariffs, following Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, poses a threat to the wine sector. Chateau expressed concern about potential 25% tariffs on French wines, which could reduce sales in the U.S. and prolong the imbalance. The situation remains uncertain, and the impact on Bordeaux’s wine market is yet to be seen.