French winemakers adapt through organic farming and new grape varieties

French viticulture is seeing shifts driven by organic conversion and changing climate patterns. In Anjou, Matthieu Millasseau and Constance Martinet are evolving the family-owned Domaine Marie Millasseau by transitioning to organic farming and developing wine tourism while focusing on the Chenin grape.

In Normandy, winemaker Xavier Gandon is working to revive local traditions at Clos des Vignes. Utilizing Pinot Meunier and Chenin, Gandon is part of a growing movement to restructure the regional industry. The Syndicat Viticole Normand (SyViNor), established in February 2026, currently includes approximately thirty members aiming to capitalize on the migration of climate-resistant grape varieties. Due to summer heatwaves, harvests in some areas have begun two weeks earlier than usual.