French winemakers are facing significant challenges, prompting urgent discussions about the future of this vital sector of the economy. Ahead of a crisis meeting with the agriculture minister, vineyard owners reported severe difficulties, including some of the poorest harvests in 70 years. Jean-Marie Fabre, president of the independent winemakers’ syndicate, emphasized the need for government intervention to support potentially 20% of the country’s winegrowers who are at risk of going out of business.
A protest attended by thousands of winegrowers in Béziers called for a government rescue package to address issues like adverse weather conditions, rising production costs, and declining sales. The French agriculture ministry recently predicted that wine production for this year would be around 3.6 billion liters, equating to another disappointing year similar to 2024.
The difficulties faced by winemakers have been compounded by several external factors over the last five years, including U.S. tariffs on wine, the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and harsh environmental conditions such as heatwaves and hail. In addition, the war in Ukraine has contributed to rising costs and a significant drop in domestic and international sales. Notably, exports of Bordeaux wine to China have halved since 2017, and a recent customs tax on EU wine-based spirits further complicates the situation.
Many winemakers are requesting compensation for uprooting vines, with potential plans for an additional 35,000 hectares to be removed. A government initiative has already seen 27,000 hectares taken out of production, with compensation offered. Meanwhile, the fiscal support from the European crisis reserve has yet to materialize for French winegrowers.
A recent survey indicated that up to 20% of French winegrowers may consider closing their businesses, potentially threatening around 100,000 jobs. The wine and spirits industry in France contributes approximately €92 billion annually and employs over 440,000 individuals. The meeting with the agriculture minister occurs just before the International Exhibition of Equipment and Expertise for Wine Production, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/23/french-winemakers-sales-slump-crisis-talks