French wine production is expected to rise 3% from last year's rain-hit season but fall 13% from the five-year average as a heatwave and drought in August and smaller vine area cut output in some key regions, the farm ministry said. "The hot weather and drought in August affected several vineyards, particularly in Charentes, Burgundy, Beaujolais and Languedoc-Roussillon," the ministry said. Despite heat and poor flowering, production should exceed 2024 by 12%, though it is seen coming in 10% below the five-year average. Production remains close to 2024, but 15% below the five-year average. Languedoc and the South-West also face reduced output, while the Loire anticipates increases over last year.