French vineyards are bracing for their lowest wine production in three decades following an unprecedented summer of extreme heat and drought, with output projected to fall sharply below recent averages. The agriculture ministry warns that winemakers may struggle to produce even 34 million hectolitres this harvest, marking a significant decline from last year’s figures. Beyond reduced yields, growers are also grappling with concerns over "smoke taint" from wildfires, which could further compromise the quality of this year’s crop. The combination of climate pressures has left the industry facing one of its most challenging seasons in recent memory.
Estimates suggest drop in production with vineyards also concerned ‘smoke taint’ from wildfires may affect qualityFrench vineyards hit by severe drought and heatwaves are expected to report a 30-year low in wine production after the country’s hottest ever recorded summer, according to the agriculture ministry.Initial estimates suggest winemakers will produce just under 34m hectolitres from this year’s harvest: a drop of 6% on last year, and 17% less than the 2021-2025 average. Continue reading...
