Wine Tourism Boosts French Economy with €7 Billion Contribution
Wine tourism in France contributes €7 billion to the economy, attracting 12 million visitors annually.
Key Points
- • 12 million wine tourists annually contributing €7 billion to France's economy
- • Nouvelle-Aquitaine and PACA top regions for wine tourism
- • Wine tourists spend an average of €72 per visit, leading to significant economic impact
- • 31,000 jobs supported by wine tourism, generating €200 million in tax revenue
A recent study has highlighted the significant economic impact of wine tourism in France, revealing that the country attracts approximately 12 million wine tourists each year, contributing an impressive €7 billion to the national economy. According to the report titled "L’œnotourisme, bien plus qu’un verre de vin," which was published on July 9, 2025, around 5.4 million of these tourists are from abroad, with Belgians, Brits, and Americans constituting the largest groups of foreign visitors.
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region stands out as the prime destination, welcoming 2.5 million wine tourists, closely followed by Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA), which attracts 2.3 million visitors. Combined, these tourists participated in approximately 33.6 million visits to around 10,000 wine-related establishments, including vineyards, cooperatives, and museums.
On average, each wine tourist spends about €72 per visit, leading to €5.4 billion in direct expenditures solely on wine tourism activities. When adding expenditures on complementary services such as dining, accommodation, and cultural experiences, this figure rises to a staggering €9 billion. The economic influence of wine tourism further extends to supplier purchases within the industry, yielding an additional €1.6 billion due to spillover effects.
Notably, the wine tourism sector plays a critical role in job creation, supporting approximately 31,000 jobs throughout the economy. This includes 22,000 positions directly linked to wine tourism and another 9,000 in sectors that benefit indirectly from this economic activity. Furthermore, the industry contributes €200 million in tax revenues, comprised of €45 million from direct tourism activities and an additional €154 million from indirect effects.
The findings emphasize that for many businesses, wine tourism serves as a proactive diversification strategy. As the report articulates, "The wine is not just a product; it is a dream and a promise." The study coincides with the anticipation of the upcoming "Journées vignobles et découvertes" event, scheduled for October 17-19, which will further promote wine tourism across France.