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.

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.