The Drinks Business reports that France is preparing to remove around 28,000 hectares of vineyard under a state backed programme designed to rebalance supply and demand. Around 5,800 growers have applied for support, with the pressure most visible in south western regions and red grape plantings, while some producers are expected to leave wine production entirely.
France
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UK Champagne Market Returns to Growth
The Drinks Business reports that the UK Champagne market grew again in 2025, with shipments rising 1.9% to 22.7 million bottles, the first annual increase since 2021. The article says the recovery looks stronger in volume than in value, with importers pointing to steadier pricing and better sales of Brut NV, while some premium cuvées are still under pressure. It also notes that the UK now accounts for about 15% of total Champagne exports, helped in part by softer US demand.
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French Vineyards Divert Unsold Wine Into Ethanol
The Irish Times reports that the European Commission has approved a €40 million emergency scheme to help French producers remove surplus red wine and rosé from the market by distilling it into ethanol and industrial alcohol. The move comes after weaker drinking demand and softer exports pushed average bulk prices down 19 per cent, with Brussels warning that oversupply could deepen the crisis if stocks are not cut back.
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Champagne Sales Are Still Not Expected to Recover in 2026
The Drinks Business reports that Champagne is unlikely to see a meaningful sales rebound in 2026 after three straight years of declining shipments, because production costs, exchange rates, and wider market conditions are still weighing on the category. The preview available from the publication and its LinkedIn post suggests the region is hoping for a turnaround, but the mood in the trade remains cautious rather than confident.
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US Doubles Down on Bordeaux
Wine-Searcher reports that Bordeaux has strengthened its hold on US wine searches, led by Château Lafite Rothschild, whose annual search volume rose from just under 400,000 to almost 900,000. The article suggests that, despite tariff fears and trade uncertainty, American fine-wine attention is concentrating even more heavily on top Bordeaux labels, with four of the five most-searched wines now coming from the region.
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Macron Backs Uprooting Unprofitable Vines as France Tackles Oversupply
Vinetur says President Emmanuel Macron told producers at Wine Paris 2026 that uprooting loss-making vines is a necessary part of stabilising France’s wine sector amid overproduction and falling demand. The piece links the message to a €130m government fund offering subsidies to remove surplus vines, with attention on regions such as Bordeaux and Languedoc, and it notes export headwinds, including a reported 20% drop in exports to the US, France’s largest market. It adds that industry groups estimate a surplus of about 100,000 hectares of vineyards, with tens of thousands of hectares already removed in prior efforts and further removals expected under the new programme.
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French Wine and Spirits Export Volumes Sink to a 25-Year Low
Reuters, on Tuesday 10 February 2026, reports that French wine and spirits exports fell to their lowest volume in at least 25 years, pressured by US tariffs, Chinese duties and a strong euro, with exporters warning there is no quick fix. Total exports dropped 3% by volume to 168 million cases and fell 8% in value to €14.3bn, with sales to the US down 21% in value to €3.0bn and sales to China down 20% to €767m. Cognac was hit hardest, down 24% in value, while Champagne volumes edged up but value slipped 4.5%, with industry figures saying any 2026 rebound is likely to be limited.
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Vina Concha y Toro is Acquiring Maison Mirabeau
Vina Concha y Toro has announced, subject to regulatory approval, it is acquiring a majority stake in Maison Mirabeau to build a stronger premium rosé and on-trade presence globally, combining shared B-Corp values, complementary strengths and expanded distribution, while retaining the founders and existing management to drive future growth and sustainability ambitions.
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New Bordeaux Claret Gets Official PDO Recognition
The Guardian reports that Bordeaux has formally validated a new “bordeaux claret” style within its protected designation, positioning it as a lighter, lower-alcohol, less tannic red intended to be served chilled, and available from the 2025 vintage. The move is framed as a response to hotter growing seasons pushing alcohol levels up, and to shifting demand towards fresher, more casual reds, especially among younger drinkers. Producers are said to be adapting with shorter macerations and experimentation with heat-tolerant varieties, while keeping classic, age-worthy Bordeaux reds alongside this new category.