Neglected vineyards are not just an eyesore; they pose a significant threat to viticulture by becoming breeding grounds for vine diseases such as Flavescence dorée (yellowing of the canopy). These abandoned plots are also suspected of increasing downy mildew pressure on neighboring vineyards. For years, industry associations and the administration of the Gironde department have advocated for sanitary clearings—a plea that French Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau answered in February with multi-million-euro state aid and clearing premiums.
The condition of Bordeaux's vineyards remains alarming.
Despite these efforts, the condition of Bordeaux's vineyards remains alarming. According to the industry platform "Vitisphere," the prefecture of the Gironde department acknowledged in a press release that "the number of reports and concerns about the many abandoned or neglected vineyard plots in the department is significant." These fallow areas are estimated to cover over 2,540 ha/ circa 6,300 acres, a consequence of declining wine consumption and unprofitable vineyard management.
Inspections announced
In response to the growing issue, state authorities announced the first inspections of abandoned vineyards during a crisis meeting on July 25. These inspections target non-compliance with the legal obligations of vineyard owners. Specifically, the occurrence of Flavescence dorée is legally regulated and requires mandatory treatment. The first four cases referred to the public prosecutor involve 26 ha/65 acres of neglected vineyards across five municipalities, with fines of up to €5,000 per hectare announced.
Industry representatives see Bordeaux's actions as a model for other wine regions.
The regional administration aims to pressure vineyard owners to carry out the required clearings. Years earlier, 500 warning letters had already been sent regarding abandoned vineyards. Industry representatives see Bordeaux's actions as a model for other wine regions, such as Languedoc, Rhône, and the Loire Valley. However, the regional farmers' union, Confédération Paysanne, expressed confusion over the penalties, criticizing them as ill-timed, especially given the financial struggles of many winemakers, which they described as "already ruined," according to "Vitisphere." SP
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