In 2023, Austria experienced a notable decline in wine production, totaling 2.33 million hectoliters, according to Statistics Austria.
This marked an 8% decrease compared to 2022 and was 7% below the five-year average. Unfavorable weather conditions, including substantial heavy rainfall, contributed to this below-average harvest. Particularly significant was the 15% decrease in red wine production, which amounted to 668,800 hectoliters, whereas white wine production reached 1.66 million hectoliters, down by 4% from the previous year.
The production of quality and premium wines saw a 6% decline from the previous year, totaling 2.16 million hectoliters in 2023. Additionally, the wine/country wine segment experienced a substantial 29% reduction, with production dropping to 132,700 hectoliters.
Styria's Decline in Wine Production
Styria faced the most severe decline among Austrian federal states in 2023. Adverse weather conditions led to a 17% reduction in wine production compared to 2022. Unlike other regions, Styria saw similar declines in both white and red wine production, underscoring the broad impact of unfavorable weather on viticulture.
Peak Wine Inventory in Austria
Despite reduced production across all federal states, Austria's domestic wine stocks reached a peak of three million hectoliters in 2023, reflecting a 4% increase. White wine inventories amounted to 1.73 million hectoliters, while red wine stocks totaled 1.32 million hectoliters. Inventories of quality and predicate wines also saw growth, reaching 2.45 million hectoliters.
These trends highlight Austria's resilience in managing production challenges while maintaining robust wine inventories, positioning the country well within the global wine market despite fluctuations in annual harvests.
Source: Falstaff