France Is Facing Its Smallest Wine Harvest In Nearly 70 Years. Falling Demand Is Adding To The Pressure To Producers.

Source: International Business Times

Workers load crates of Pinot Noir grapes onto a trailer during the grape harvest in the vineyards at the Bollinger Champagne House's vineyard in Avenay-Val-d'Or, northeastern France, on August 18, 2026. Due to the rise of temperatures linked to human induced climate change and a scorching hot year for 2026, the grape harvest startsed early this year. Getty Images France's wine production is heading toward its lowest level in nearly 70 years after a record-hot summer and severe drought damaged vineyards across the country, adding another difficult harvest to an industry already dealing with declining consumption and rising costs.