France uprooting vines

France will uproot 28,000 hectares of vines under a €130m state-backed scheme to tackle falling demand, climate pressure and declining red wine sales, as thousands of growers seek support to reshape or exit the sector.

Around 5,800 vineyard owners have applied to remove vines, with most requests coming from south western regions and focused on red grape varieties. Of the approved areas, 37% will be cleared entirely, while 63% will see partial removals, allowing growers to adapt production to shifting demand.

The government will pay €4,000 per hectare, with work due by the end of 2026. The plan follows earlier support measures and wider EU reforms aimed at stabilising the wine sector.

Producers face mounting challenges, including changing drinking habits, weaker global sales and climate impacts. While some see the scheme as necessary, others warn it may be a short-term fix, as questions remain over land use and the long-term future of France’s wine industry.