Bordeaux is accelerating the transformation of its wine sector.

Bordeaux is accelerating a broad modernisation that combines new wine styles, sustainability goals and a stronger presence on the UK market, as the region marks 90 years as an AOC and seeks to better respond to changing consumer demand.

The Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux says the region has intensified its transformation over the past five years through changes in production, packaging and communication. This shift comes amid a decline in vineyard area, falling yields and a global wine market that has become more price-sensitive and increasingly oriented towards lighter, fresher styles.

🍷 Style evolution

Among the most visible changes is the expansion of styles within established appellations. Entre-deux-Mers, long known for dry white wines, is now also producing red wines. In the Médoc, some producers are reviving dry white winemaking, a tradition dating back to the 18th century. Bordeaux claret has also been repositioned towards a lighter, fruitier and more approachable style.

Crémant de Bordeaux is growing strongly and has become one of the region’s fastest-expanding categories. Production has quadrupled over the past decade. In 2025, exports reached 56,000 hectolitres (around 7.5 million bottles), up 35% in volume and 37% in value compared to 2024. The United Kingdom remains the second-largest export market for this category.

Crémant is also becoming more stylistically diverse, with Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and Extra Brut expressions. Bordeaux is additionally highlighting organic, vegan and natural wines, as well as atypical blends, including 100% Sémillon cuvées.

🌿 2025 harvest and production context

The 2025 vintage is described as high quality despite challenging conditions. AOP production stands at 2.9 million hectolitres, down 12% from 2024. Vineyard area has fallen by 9% to 86,000 hectares, its lowest level since 1986.

Bordeaux notes that weather conditions were generally favourable and that growers successfully adapted to climate change challenges.

Red wines from the vintage show strong fruit expression and freshness, with moderate alcohol levels. Dry whites and sparkling wines are described as aromatic and vibrant, with Sauvignon showing citrus and guava notes and Sémillon adding more roundness. Sweet wines are said to be elegant and aromatic.

🌱 Sustainability and packaging

Sustainability remains a central pillar of Bordeaux’s strategy. The “Sustainable Impact” programme now serves as a sector-wide audited CSR framework covering environmental protection, biodiversity, climate adaptation, supply chain resilience and workplace conditions. It brings together 69 estates, 23 négociant houses and one cooperative winery.

The region is also continuing efforts to reduce packaging impact. Since 2007, it has worked to lower the carbon footprint of glass bottles. The average bottle weight is now 443 g, with a target to reduce this by a further 10% by 2030.

Producers are also developing labels made from recycled or alternative materials, using less ink and adding QR codes for product information. Bordeaux has also committed to offering at least 10% of its wines in reusable packaging in France by 2027.

🇬🇧 Focus on the UK market

Bordeaux is strengthening its presence in the United Kingdom through several promotional initiatives:

• presence at the London Wine Fair (May)
• participation in the Big Feastival (August)
• return of Bordeaux Wine Month in September with more than 100 independent wine merchants

🏛️ Anniversaries and events

This transformation coincides with the 10th anniversary of La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, which has welcomed nearly 3.5 million visitors since 2016. The institution will celebrate the milestone with events and the return of its immersive tasting experience, Via Sensoria.