The wine industry continues to grapple with the growing impact of climate change, which is reshaping production trends worldwide.
The International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) has released preliminary figures for the 2024 harvest, revealing one of the lowest global wine production volumes since 1961. With production estimated between 227 and 235 million hectoliters, the projected average of 231 million hectoliters marks a 2% decline from 2023 and a staggering 13% drop compared to the ten-year average.
While this decrease aligns with declining global wine consumption, it underscores the wine sector's vulnerability to extreme weather and highlights the urgency of adopting resilient and adaptive practices.
Climate Disruptions Across Continents
Europe: A Struggling Powerhouse
The European Union, which accounts for 60% of global wine production, is experiencing its lowest output in the 21st century, with an estimated 139 million hectoliters—a 3% drop from 2023 and 11% below the five-year average.
Key countries faced varied challenges:
- Italy: Despite becoming the largest producer globally with 41 million hectoliters (+7% from 2023), hailstorms and adverse weather caused volumes to remain 13% below the five-year average.
- France: Production dropped to 36.9 million hectoliters (-23% from 2023), due to continuous rainfall, drought, hailstorms, and vineyard abandonment in regions like Bordeaux and Languedoc-Roussillon.
- Spain: Recovering from severe drought in 2023, Spain produced 33.6 million hectoliters (+18% from 2023), but ongoing water stress kept volumes 4% below the five-year average.
Southern Hemisphere: A Declining Trend
The Southern Hemisphere recorded its lowest production in two decades, with 46 million hectoliters—a 2% drop from 2023 and 12% below the five-year average.
- Argentina rebounded from a challenging 2023, producing 10.9 million hectoliters (+23%), but still fell short of the five-year average (-4%).
- Australia saw a slight recovery with 10.2 million hectoliters (+5% from 2023), but excessive rainfall and stock pressures kept volumes 16% below the five-year average.
- Chile faced a significant decline, producing 9.3 million hectoliters (-15% from 2023), affected by a delayed harvest and drought conditions.
- South Africa endured severe flooding and frost, resulting in 8.8 million hectoliters (-5% from 2023).
United States: Declining Output
As the fourth-largest producer, the U.S. is estimated to produce 23.6 million hectoliters, a 3% decline from 2023, with ongoing climate-related challenges impacting yields.
Quality Over Quantity?
Despite the reduced volumes, many regions have reported high-quality harvests due to precise vineyard management. In Europe, skilled viticulture mitigated some effects of extreme weather, leading to promising results in certain regions. Similarly, parts of the Southern Hemisphere and the U.S. focused on maintaining grape quality despite lower yields.
Adapting to Climate Variability
The OIV emphasized that the wine industry must urgently adopt adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change. This includes:
- Investing in climate-resilient viticulture practices like drought-tolerant rootstocks and water management systems.
- Exploring new grape varieties better suited to changing weather patterns.
- Implementing advanced forecasting systems to anticipate and respond to extreme weather events.
Market Impact
The second consecutive year of reduced production may inadvertently benefit the global market, as lower volumes could help balance oversupply and stabilize prices in regions with high stock levels. For consumers, this could mean access to high-quality wines at more competitive prices.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 harvest serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change. While producers in Italy, Argentina, and Spain managed some recovery, the overall trend of declining yields demands a reevaluation of how the global wine industry approaches climate resilience.
Collaboration between researchers, governments, and producers will be key in ensuring the future sustainability of wine production, preserving both its cultural heritage and economic importance in an increasingly unpredictable climate.
Source: WineNews