According to estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture, France, which is the second-largest wine producer in the world after Italy, is expected to produce less than 34 million hectoliters in 2026.
The Ministry of Agriculture reported on Monday that wine production in France this year is forecast to decrease by 6% compared to 2025. This is due to unprecedented waves of heat and drought during the summer period, foreshadowing the poorest harvest in about 70 years.
The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), which monitors global wine production and consumption, noted that the figure for 2025 was already a historical minimum, marking the lowest production in France since 1957.
The expected decline in 2026 will be 17% below the average figure recorded between 2021 and 2025. The reasons for this drop are both the reduction in vineyard area and lower yields caused by drought and summer heatwaves, according to the ministry's statistical department.
As of September 1st, production was estimated at almost 33.9 million hectoliters, which is lower than the 35.9 million hectoliters recorded last year. It should be noted that a hectoliter is equivalent to 100 liters.
However, the service noted significant regional differences. In the Champagne region, production is expected to be halved compared to both 2025 and the five-year average. At the same time, in the southern Languedoc-Roussillon region, a 5% increase in harvest is expected compared to the weak 2025 harvest due to improved yields, although it will still remain 8% below the 2021–2025 average level.
Last week, France announced the allocation of over one billion euros in emergency support for farmers, but agricultural groups stated that this package of measures is insufficient to cover their needs.