The 2024 Austrian wine vintage faced extreme weather conditions that significantly impacted yields across the country.
Late frosts in April and a severe summer drought contributed to a substantial drop in production, with total output reaching only 22% of the previous five-year average and falling 20% below 2023 levels.
The Impact of Unpredictable Weather on the 2024 Vintage
The year started with an unusually warm winter and sufficient precipitation, leading to early bud break. However, by mid-to-late April, several waves of frost damaged vineyards in key regions, particularly Kamptal, Wagram, Wachau, parts of the Thermenregion, and areas in southwestern Styria.
During early flowering, intermittent rainfall caused increased coulure (poor fruit set), leading to additional losses. The summer months were dominated by extreme heat and prolonged dry spells, reducing juice content in the grapes. Rainfall distribution was inconsistent, with some areas experiencing severe drought while others suffered from hailstorms. Fortunately, an early harvest mitigated the potential damage from heavy rain and flooding in September, which ultimately had little impact on the final yield.
Production Declines Across Austrian Wine Regions
Lower Austria: The Most Affected Federal State
Lower Austria, Austria’s largest wine-producing region, recorded the most significant decline in production volume. With a total output of 1.18 million hectoliters, this marked a 23% drop compared to 2023 and 24% below the five-year average.
- White wine: 936,400 hl (-24% vs. 2023)
- Red wine: 245,200 hl (-17% vs. 2023)
The hardest-hit areas included:
- Kamptal (113,500 hl, -35%)
- Wagram (92,500 hl, -33%)
- Thermenregion (45,400 hl, -29%)
- Kremstal (110,000 hl, -26%)
The Weinviertel, which accounts for nearly half of Lower Austria’s vineyards, saw a relatively lower decline of 19%, producing 694,600 hl.
Burgenland: A Difficult Year for Red and White Wines
Burgenland recorded a total production of 504,000 hl, a 14% decline compared to 2023 (-16% vs. five-year average).
- Red wine: 298,100 hl (-9% vs. 2023)
- White wine: 206,000 hl (-20% vs. 2023)
Regional breakdown:
- Neusiedlersee: 281,300 hl (-15%)
- Neusiedlersee-Hügelland (Leithaberg, Rosalia): 103,000 hl (-15%)
- Central Burgenland: 106,900 hl (-6%)
Styria: A Steep Decline, Especially in Red Wine
Total wine production in Styria fell 16% below 2023 levels and 29% below the five-year average, reaching 159,200 hl.
- White wine: 128,800 hl (-14%)
- Red wine: 30,500 hl (-24%)
Regional declines:
- Southern Styria: 93,600 hl (-8%)
- Vulkanland Styria: 50,100 hl (-23%)
- Western Styria: 15,600 hl (-34%)
Vienna: A Moderate Drop in Production
Vienna, Austria’s smallest wine-producing state, recorded a 5% decline compared to 2023, with a total output of 21,900 hl.
- White wine: 18,200 hl (-5%)
- Red wine: 3,700 hl (-1%)
Quality and Market Implications
The decline in yields had a significant impact on Austria’s premium wine sector. The total volume of quality and premium wines was 1.76 million hl, representing a 19% drop compared to 2023 (-21% vs. five-year average).
- White quality wines: 1.23 million hl (-21%)
- Red quality wines: 525,600 hl (-13%)
The segment of country wines, varietal wines, and Sturm suffered even steeper losses. Total production in this category was 86,800 hl, down 35% from 2023 (-46% vs. five-year average).
- White country wines: 49,800 hl (-43%)
- Red country wines: 37,000 hl (-19%)
Conclusion
The 2024 Austrian wine vintage will be remembered as one of the most challenging in recent years. Late frosts, extreme drought, and uneven rainfall patterns severely impacted production, particularly in Lower Austria and Styria. While yields were significantly lower than previous years, the quality of the vintage remains to be assessed, with many producers hoping that lower juice content will lead to more concentrated wines.
As the industry recovers from this difficult season, winemakers will be focusing on resilience strategies, including improved frost protection and irrigation management, to mitigate future risks.
Source: Der-Winzer