France raised its wine production forecast for this year to about 36.7 million
hectolitres, up from an October estimate of 35.0 million hl, the agriculture
ministry said. That implies a 3% YoY increase but remains roughly 10% below the
five-year average. Late-summer rain eased drought losses, but consecutive
heatwaves and continued vineyard area contraction keep overall output
constrained; Champagne output is expected to be nearly half of 2025 levels. Weak
domestic demand from changing drinking habits and a soft economy, together with
falling wine and spirits exports, are weighing on France's food trade balance.
The upward revision reflected better-than-expected yields in
Languedoc-Roussillon and Charente — regions that together account for about half
of national production — with improvements also in Champagne and southeast
France.
