France confirms historically low 2025 wine harvest and $150M vine uprooting plan to restructure the industry. The French Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed that 2025 production has hit historic lows, exacerbated by a massive government-funded "grubbing-up" program.
In late December, France finalized its 2025 output at 36.2 million hectoliters, 16% below the five-year average. To combat oversupply and falling consumption, the government confirmed a $150 million (€130M) aid package this month to uproot 30,000+ hectares of vines, primarily in Bordeaux and Languedoc. In Bordeaux alone, the AOC vineyard area has dropped from 103,000 hectares to 85,000 hectares since 2023, permanently altering the supply landscape.
Why Collectors Should Care:
-
Permanent Supply Cut: The removal of nearly 20% of Bordeaux's vineyards will lead to long-term scarcity, especially in "entry-level" luxury labels.
-
Concentrated Quality: While yields are low due to August heatwaves, the remaining grapes are "small but healthy," promising a highly concentrated 2025 vintage.
-
Appellation Shifts: High-profile moves, such as Château Lafleur opting out of the Pomerol AOC for its 2025 harvest, signal a new era of "Vin de France" prestige.
Source: Agreste (French Ministry of Agriculture), Reuters, CIVB Bordeaux Report Dec 2025.
