The French Ministry of Agriculture has released its latest figures for the 2025 wine grape harvest, showing a slight recovery in national production compared to last year’s historically low levels. According to data compiled as of September 1, France is expected to produce 37.4 million hectoliters of wine in 2025. This represents a 3% increase over the 2024 harvest, which was severely affected by adverse weather, but remains 13% below the five-year average.
The report highlights significant regional differences. Burgundy stands out with a projected 45% increase in volume compared to last year, when mildew sharply reduced yields. The Jura region, which suffered from frost in 2024, is expected to triple its output this year. The Loire Valley also anticipates a strong rebound, with volumes up by 26%. Champagne is forecast to see a 12% rise in production over last year, though still 10% below its recent average. In southeastern France, production is set to exceed last year’s by 7%.
Other regions are facing more difficult conditions. Bordeaux’s output is expected to remain stable compared to last year but will be about 15% below the five-year average. This stagnation is attributed to both the summer heatwave and the removal of approximately 8,000 hectares of vines as part of restructuring efforts. The Languedoc-Roussillon region faces a projected decline of 5% from last year and a drop of 16% compared to its five-year average, following a combination of August heatwaves, wildfires in Aude, and the uprooting of more than 10,000 hectares of vineyards.
Alsace is also experiencing challenges. The region saw its earliest harvest on record due to rapid grape maturation caused by drought and high temperatures. Production there is expected to fall by 11% compared to last year, with smaller and less abundant grape clusters reported.
The ministry notes that initial estimates made in early August had predicted a national harvest exceeding 40 million hectoliters. However, extreme heat and drought during August reduced juice content in grapes and accelerated ripening across several key regions, including Charentes, Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Languedoc-Roussillon. These conditions led to earlier-than-usual harvest dates and lower yields.
Vineyard surface area has also declined nationwide due to ongoing vine removal programs aimed at addressing overproduction and market pressures. More than 20,000 hectares have been uprooted in Bordeaux, the Southwest, and Languedoc-Roussillon since last year.
In 2024, French wine production fell to just over 36 million hectoliters after a series of weather events—heavy rain, droughts, and late frosts—brought yields close to the historic lows seen in 2017 and 2021.
The ministry’s latest assessment underscores the growing impact of climate variability on French viticulture. While some regions have managed partial recoveries thanks to favorable local conditions or relief from previous disease outbreaks or frost damage, others continue to struggle with persistent droughts and structural changes within the industry. The overall outlook for French wine production remains cautious as growers adapt to changing weather patterns and evolving market demands.
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