New Rules for Wine, Flavored Wine, and Spirits

European Parliament Resolution – 10 February 2026

The Parliament has adopted a resolution to change EU rules on wine, aromatised wine and spirit drinks. The main points are:

1. Wine market rules and support

• The EU will tighten rules on how much wine can be produced and sold, to avoid oversupply and keep prices stable.
• New limits on planting vines will be set, with a review every 10 years.
• Vine‑planting authorisations will stay valid for up to three marketing years, but producers who do not use them can avoid penalties if they inform authorities before 31 December 2026.
• In crisis situations (e.g., bad weather or pest outbreaks) Member States can extend authorisation validity by up to 12 months and may waive penalties.
• Abandoned vineyards can be removed (grubbed up) to reduce pest risk; the Commission can set conditions for this.
• Producers who receive support for grubbing up cannot apply for new planting authorisations for 10 years.

2. Support payments

• National payments for distillation, green harvesting and grubbing up are capped at 25 % of the EU’s total funds for that year.
• Payments for grubbing up can cover up to 100 % of the loss of revenue for one year, plus a national contribution up to 30 %.
• For climate‑adaptation projects, the EU can cover up to 80 % of costs.
• Small and medium‑sized producers can get higher support rates (up to 80 % for some measures).

3. De‑alcoholised and aromatised wine

• Wines that have been partially or fully de‑alcoholised can be labelled as “alcohol‑free” (≤ 0.5 % ABV) or “reduced alcohol” (≥ 30 % lower than the normal level).
• The same labels apply to aromatised wine made from de‑alcoholised wine.
• New rules allow sparkling wine to be made from de‑alcoholised still wine, with carbon dioxide added again.
• Labeling of aromatised wine (e.g., Glühwein, Pelin) will use consistent terms and may include electronic information (QR codes, pictograms).

4. Spirit drinks

• The requirement to show the producer’s name next to the geographical indication on spirit drink labels is removed, easing rules for small producers.

5. Implementation dates

• The new regulation will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.
• Most new rules will apply 18 months after that date.
• Some provisions (e.g., a 10‑year exemption for small vineyard areas) will start 48 months after entry into force.

These changes aim to help EU wine growers adapt to lower consumption, climate change, and market pressures while keeping consumers well informed and protecting the reputation of protected wine and spirit products.