French wine output drops 6% to lowest level since 1957
France's 2026 grape harvest is projected at 33.9 million hectoliters, a record low driven by drought and heat that cuts production by 17% compared to recent averages.
The French Ministry of Agriculture announced this week that the country's 2026 wine harvest will conclude at its lowest level in nearly seven decades. Projections estimate total output at 33.9 million hectoliters as of September 1, representing a 6% decline from the 35.9 million hectolitres produced in 2025. This figure also marks a 17% reduction when compared to the average production recorded between 2021 and 2025. The Agreste statistics service attributes the shortfall to a combination of reduced vineyard area and lower productivity caused by European summer droughts and heatwaves. France ranks second globally in wine production, trailing only Italy, meaning domestic declines significantly impact global supply availability. While analysts note the 2026 figures join two consecutive historically low harvests, the specific data provided confirms the record-breaking nature of the current year's output against long-term historical records.
