France's Champagne output set to plunge 48% after heat and drought
France's Champagne production is expected to fall by nearly half this year as scorching temperatures and drought hit vineyards, with the country's overall wine harvest set to be one of the smallest in three decades, Bloomberg reported.
Champagne output is estimated at 1.34 million hectoliters in 2026, down 48% from last year, according to France's Agriculture Ministry.
Overall French wine production is expected to reach 34 million hectoliters, 6% below 2025 levels and 17% below the five-year average.
The decline reflects both a reduction in vineyard area and weaker yields following extreme heat and drought. Most French wine-growing regions began harvesting earlier than usual this year because of high temperatures since spring.
Burgundy has been particularly hard hit, with losses of Pinot Noir exceeding 50%. Bordeaux, by contrast, is expected to produce 10% more wine than during its poor 2025 harvest, although output would remain 11% below the 2021–2025 average.
Extreme weather has compounded problems for France's wine industry as it also struggles with declining demand and falling exports. The French government last week allocated more than €1 billion to support farmers affected by this summer's heat waves and wildfires.
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