The Council and the European Parliament have agreed on the wine package, giving Champagne stronger protection against unwanted new plantings.
The Council and the European Parliament have reached agreement on the so-called wine package, which sets the rules for the European wine sector. In a statement issued in Épernay on 10 December 2025, the Comité Champagne said growers and Champagne houses welcome the deal.
New plantings back under control
Since 2016, EU rules had in effect obliged the region to allow vines for wines without a geographical indication. That put at risk the principle that Champagne produces only Champagne. Under the new text, it will again be possible to set new plantings at 0 per cent where they could damage the reputation of an appellation. The vineyard can therefore remain dedicated solely to the AOC Champagne.
The agreement also allows funding of up to 100 per cent for measures against flavescence dorée, a serious vine disease.
"Champagne keeps its future in its own hands," said David Chatillon, president of the Union des Maisons de Champagne and co-president of the Comité Champagne. His co-president Maxime Toubart, who heads the Syndicat Général des Vignerons, said the sector will stay engaged until the text is formally adopted and during talks on implementing measures.
Besides Champagne, the region also produces Coteaux Champenois, Rosé des Riceys and Ratafia champenois.
Source: Comité Champagne
