Intervention at the Norinchukin Research Institute - July 2026
French Wine in Crisis: Severe Climate Change and the Obstacles to New Variety Transformation
In France, one of the world’s leading wine-producing countries, the impacts of rising temperatures and drought are becoming increasingly severe. According to a survey conducted by the Institut Agro Montpellier (National Institute of Higher Education for Agriculture, Food and Environment), 95% of more than 200 cooperatives and related organizations surveyed reported that climate change is affecting their business operations.
While some are exploring a shift to grape varieties that are more resistant to drought and other environmental stresses, a major challenge remains whether consumers, who place a high value on tradition, will accept wines made from these new varieties.
Louis-Antoine Saïsset, Associate Professor at the institute, presented the survey findings during an online seminar hosted by the Norinchukin Research Institute at the end of July.
Wine grapes are a key agricultural product in France, accounting for 12% of the country’s agricultural output by value. According to Saïsset, in some regions every cooperative surveyed reported being affected by climate change. The most significant impacts have been on three areas: yields, the growth cycle of the vines, and the timing of grape ripening. Groundwater depletion caused by drought and the spread of plant diseases have also become serious concerns. Some cooperatives stated that “everything is being called into question at a fundamental level.”
To adapt to climate change, some cooperatives have begun introducing grape varieties that are more resistant to drought and disease. However, the area planted with these new varieties accounts for only 0.7% of the country’s total wine-grape acreage. In France, where tradition and terroir are highly valued, including the specific grape varieties used, “the key challenge is whether wines produced from these new grape varieties will gain recognition and acceptance among consumers,” Saïsset explained.
