French winemakers predict their smallest harvest in 30 years after drought and heat
Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
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- France’s agriculture ministry expects this year’s wine harvest to fall to just under 34 million hectolitres, the lowest level in 30 years.
- The estimate represents a 6% decline from last year and a 17% drop from the 2021-2025 average.
- Vineyard owners also fear wildfire smoke could cause smoke taint and reduce wine quality.
French winemakers are heading toward their smallest harvest in three decades after a summer marked by severe drought and heatwaves. The country also recorded its hottest summer ever, according to the agriculture ministry.
Initial estimates put this year’s production at just under 34 million hectolitres. That would be 6% below last year’s harvest and 17% below the average recorded from 2021 to 2025.
The damage may not end with lower volumes. Vineyards are also concerned that smoke from wildfires could affect the quality of the grapes and leave wines with what producers call “smoke taint.”
About this summary
Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.
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