In 2024, global wine production excluding juices and musts is estimated by The International Vine and Wine Organisation (OIV) at just 225.8 million hectolitres (mhl)—a dramatic 4.8% drop from 2023.
This marks the lowest wine output since 1961, continuing a two-year trend of significant decline in worldwide viticulture.
Climate Extremes Reshape the Global Wine Map
The sharp decline is primarily attributed to climatic instability, with early spring frosts, excessive rainfall, prolonged droughts, hailstorms, and fungal diseases disrupting harvests across both hemispheres. In many regions, these meteorological challenges were compounded by market-driven adjustments, particularly in areas facing reduced wine consumption and oversupply issues.
Europe: Weather Woes and Historic Lows
The European Union, responsible for more than half of global production, recorded 138.3 mhl, a 3.5% decrease from 2023 and the lowest volume since 2000. The continent saw a patchwork of climatic challenges:
- Italy showed resilience with a 15% year-on-year increase (44.1 mhl), but remains 6% below its five-year average. Northern vineyards were hit hard by hailstorms.
- France experienced a catastrophic 23.5% decrease to 36.1 mhl—the lowest since 1957—due to relentless rain, poor flowering, and widespread downy mildew.
- Spain rebounded slightly to 31.0 mhl, up 9.3% from 2023 but still well below historical averages.
Smaller producers like Germany, Austria, Portugal, and Romania all saw significant drops, while Hungary and Greece bucked the trend with modest gains.
Neighbouring Nations: Mixed Outcomes
- Russia surged ahead with its largest harvest since 2015 at 5.4 mhl.
- Georgia saw a record 2.4 mhl, thanks to favorable conditions.
- Moldova, however, saw a devastating 39.7% decline to 1.1 mhl.
USA and China: Facing Inventory and Climate Pressures
In the United States, 2024 production plummeted 17.2% to 21.1 mhl, the lowest in 15 years. California’s harvest was its smallest since 2004, with excessive heat and inventory pressures exacerbating the decline.
China also recorded a sharp 17.0% fall, continuing its multi-year trend of declining output.
Southern Hemisphere: Second Year of Historic Lows
The Southern Hemisphere produced just 45.8 mhl, down 3.6% from 2023 and a striking 13.8% below the five-year average.
- Argentina rebounded strongly (+23.3% to 10.9 mhl) and led the hemisphere.
- Chile recorded a 15.6% drop to 9.3 mhl, the lowest since 2010.
- Brazil saw an alarming 41.0% decrease to 2.1 mhl.
- South Africa hit a 19-year low at 8.8 mhl, affected by multiple climate shocks.
Oceania: Australia Recovers Slightly, New Zealand Plummets
- Australia improved slightly to 10.2 mhl (+5.3%), but remains 16% below the five-year average due to persistent rainfall and high stock levels.
- New Zealand, usually a stable producer, dropped 21.2% to 2.8 mhl, mainly due to frost during the flowering stage in Marlborough.
Outlook: A Wake-Up Call for the Global Wine Industry
The 2024 vintage is a powerful reminder of climate change’s escalating impact on viticulture. With production hitting the lowest point in over six decades, the industry faces a pivotal moment to adapt both agronomically and economically. From revisiting varietal choices and vineyard locations to responding to changing consumption trends, the global wine sector must brace for continued volatility—and opportunity—in the years ahead.
Source: OIV