Europe’s wildfires and the changing taste of French wine | The Climate Economy

From record-breaking wildfires and “smoke taint” to the earliest harvests in 600 years, climate change is directly threatening France’s celebrated wine industry. In this episode of The Climate Economy, Kunal Shankar examines how extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and catastrophic forest fires across Europe are altering not just agricultural production, but the actual balance, flavour, and future of French wine; and what it means for international trade and wine lovers globally. Published - August 06, 2026 04:38 pm IST