#32026R0471Regulation (EU) 2026/471 amending EU rules on vine planting authorisations, wine production potential, de-alcoholised wines and labelling of spirit drinks
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This regulation extends the EU vine planting authorisation scheme for another period with reviews every 10 years to prevent oversupply amid declining wine consumption. It removes penalties for non-use of pre-2025 planting authorisations, allows longer validity for replanting authorisations, and permits Member States to set regional limits as low as 0% on new plantings in oversupplied areas. The rules facilitate production of de-alcoholised and partially de-alcoholised still and sparkling wines through new blending and carbonation methods. Member States gain powers to require grubbing-up of abandoned vineyards and to protect geographical indications by restricting planting in PDO/PGI areas. It also updates labelling rules for reduced-alcohol grapevine products.
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Key Changes
- Extension of vine planting authorisation scheme with mandatory reviews every 10 years
- Removal of administrative penalties for non-use of planting authorisations granted before 1 January 2025
- Possibility for Member States to set regional new planting limits as low as 0 % in oversupplied areas
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Member States must conduct reviews of the vine planting authorisation scheme every 10 years to evaluate its effectiveness and present improvement proposals if appropriate.
Member States must not apply administrative penalties for non-use of planting authorisations granted before 1 January 2025 or resulting from conversion of planting rights granted before that date.
Member States must continue to apply administrative penalties for non-use of planting authorisations granted after 1 January 2025 to discourage speculative applications.
Member States must extend the validity of planting authorisations by up to twelve months for regions affected by natural disasters, severe meteorological events, or plant disease outbreaks.
Member States must permit winegrowers to renounce extended planting authorisations without incurring administrative penalties if they notify competent authorities they do not wish to use them.