Three employees of a labour provider for the Champagne grape harvest have gone on trial for human trafficking, in a case that has rocked France's prestigious sparkling wine industry. The accused face charges of exploiting seasonal workers, subjecting them to undignified housing, and employing undocumented foreign nationals. The firm itself is also on trial for moral responsibility.
Known as 'the grape harvest of shame', the case emerged after police raided a derelict house in Nesle-le-Repons in September 2023 following complaints from residents. Investigators found 57 men and women, mostly from West Africa, living in fetid conditions. The labour inspectorate described the housing as 'disgusting' and 'dilapidated', with no proper flooring, walls, or windows, and only three blocked toilets.
Workers alleged they were forced to sleep on stinking inflatable mattresses, given rotting food, and transported to vineyards crammed into vans without seats or windows. Some reported working 10-hour shifts with only a 30-minute break, and being threatened if they tried to rest or drink water. Many were recruited from homeless communities in northern Paris.
The Champagne Committee, representing winemakers and houses, joined the trial as a civil party for the first time, signalling the industry's seriousness about the issue. Director Charles Goemaere stated the committee is 'firmly opposed to these unacceptable practices'. A wine cooperative is also on trial for using illegal labour.
Lawyer Maxime Cessieux, representing the workers, accused the defendants of 'total contempt' for human dignity. One defendant's lawyer claimed his client was only involved in recruitment, not housing or work conditions. The CGT trade union called for an end to exploitation of seasonal workers in vineyards.
Every year, around 120,000 seasonal workers handpick grapes across 34,000 hectares of Champagne vineyards. This case follows previous scandals, including the deaths of four pickers from sunstroke in 2023 and a 2018 case where two labour providers were jailed for human trafficking.
