New measures to protect and promote the EU’s wine sector

More funds for winegrowers to adjust production to market developments and extra tools to deal with extreme weather events

Wine with less than 0.05% alcohol to be labelled “alcohol-free 0.0%”; wine from 0.5% alcohol but 30% lower than the standard to be labelled as “alcohol reduced”

More support for wine tourism, export and promotion

On Tuesday MEPs backed new legislation to enhance protection and support for European wine producers.

By 625 votes to 15 with 11 abstentions, Parliament approved the provisional agreement reached with EU member states on 4 December 2025. The new set of rules will address challenges that wine producers are facing and unlock new market opportunities.

Clear labels for alcohol free and reduced alcohol wines

To clarify the rules on de-alcoholised wines, the term “alcohol-free” accompanied by the expression “0.0%” will be able to be used if the strength of the product does not exceed 0.05% alcohol-by-volume. Products the strength of which is above 0.5% volume but at the same time are already at least 30% lower than the standard alcoholic strength of the category of wine before de-alcoholisation, should be labelled as “alcohol reduced”.

More funds and flexibility for wine producers

In response to severe natural disasters, extreme weather conditions or plant disease outbreaks, winegrowers will receive additional support. The text also foresees the use of EU funds for so-called “grubbing up”. The national payment ceiling for wine distillation and green harvesting will be set at 25% of the global available funds per member state.

Wine tourism and exports’ promotion

Producers will receive additional support to promote wine tourism. Measures to incentivise economic growth in rural areas and promote quality European wines in third countries would be eligible for up to 60% EU financing, while member states could add up to 30% for small and medium enterprises and 20% for bigger companies. eligible activities could include information and promotional initiatives such as advertising, events, exhibitions and studies. They could be financed for three years, renewable twice to cover a total of nine years.

Quote

Rapporteur Esther Herranz García (EPP, Spain) said: “This law represents a timely and effective response to the crisis the wine sector is facing. Europe is responding with concrete tools, such as using European funding for crisis measures, improved conditions for promotion and communication activities, and increased co-financing to help farmers adapt more quickly to climate change. Member states will have a stronger set of measures to address the challenges confronting the sector across different countries and regions.”

Next steps

The provisional agreement needs to be approved by the Council before the new rules can enter into force.