The global wine industry is facing a significant downturn this year, with production plummeting to its lowest level since 1961 due to extreme weather events.
According to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), output fell to 244.1 million hectolitres, a seven percent decrease from 2022.
Extreme climatic conditions, including early frosts, heavy rainfall, and droughts, have severely impacted vineyards worldwide.
Severe climatic conditions lead to a seven percent drop in output, with Southern Hemisphere producers hit hardest; France reclaims top spot as Italy’s production declines.Major producers in the southern hemisphere, such as Australia, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and Brazil, experienced production drops ranging from 10 to 30%.
In Europe, Italy’s production fell by 12%, allowing France to reclaim its position as the top global wine producer, while Spain retained its spot as the third largest despite a 14% decline in production.
Despite the overall downturn, the reduced production might help balance the market by addressing the current oversupply and declining global consumption.
However, while the OIV acknowledges the impact of extreme weather, there is no definitive link to climate change, though experts like Inaki Garcia de Cortazar-Atauri note that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, exacerbating existing issues such as mildew.