Climate Change and Harsh Weather Devastate Chablis Wine Harvest
France's Chablis wine region faces severe crop losses and reduced production due to extreme weather and fungal disease.
Overview
- Chablis wine country experienced one of the wettest years on record in 2024, leading to significant challenges for grape growers.
- Unpredictable weather, including frost, hail, and relentless rain, severely impacted the harvest at the Domaine Roland Lavantureux winery.
- The spread of a destructive mildew fungus, exacerbated by excess moisture, resulted in crop losses of up to 65% at some estates.
- Overall wine production in France is expected to drop to 39.3 million hectoliters, below both 2023 levels and the five-year average.
- Winemakers are adopting various methods to adapt to the changing climate, including delayed pruning and anti-hail devices, but challenges persist.