At a press conference in Vienna, Johannes Schmuckenschlager, President of the Austrian Winegrowers’ Association, announced an unusually early start to Austria’s 2024 wine harvest, coupled with a significant drop in volume compared to previous years.
The harvest is forecasted to yield around 2.0 million hectoliters, a sharp decrease from last year’s 2.33 million hectoliters and the five-year average of 2.41 million hectoliters (2019–2023). Schmuckenschlager attributed this decline to early budding, late frosts, and extreme summer weather.
Early Budding and Rapid Growth
The 2024 growing season was characterized by irregular weather patterns. A combination of sufficient winter rainfall and unusually warm temperatures at the start of spring caused the vines to bud three weeks earlier than usual. However, this premature budding increased the vines’ vulnerability to frost damage, with late frosts in April affecting vineyards, particularly in the Thermenregion, Kamptal, and Wachau.
By late May, flowering had already begun in most regions, further accelerated by the warm temperatures. While early blossoming is generally favorable, heavy rains during this period in some regions led to coulure (poor fruit set), reducing grape yields. The vines’ rapid growth continued into June, as temperatures soared above 30°C, prompting accelerated ripening.
Uneven Rainfall and Hailstorms
While some regions benefited from adequate water supplies in the spring, others experienced drought-like conditions throughout the summer. For example, vineyards around Krems fared relatively well, while regions such as Neusiedl am See and Güssing in Burgenland faced drier conditions. In addition to drought, several regions were hit by severe hailstorms, particularly around Lake Neusiedl, Güssing, and parts of Steiermark (Styria). In Weinviertel, the Hollabrunn area experienced heavy storms, and Vienna’s Nussberg vineyard suffered significant hail damage.
These erratic weather patterns have not only impacted the volume of this year’s harvest but also highlighted the growing impact of climate change on viticulture. Schmuckenschlager emphasized that the frequency and intensity of storms have increased, making wine production more challenging.
Lower Harvest Volumes and Smaller Berries
The early start to the growing season, coupled with extreme weather, has resulted in smaller grape clusters in many vineyards. Late frosts, coulure, and the high summer temperatures contributed to a lower must yield, meaning that the juice extracted from the grapes is also below average. While hailstorms caused localized damage, their overall impact on Austria’s total wine harvest remains small.
This year’s expected total volume of 2.0 million hectoliters marks a 15% decrease from 2023, which was already considered a low-yield year. However, thanks to reserves held by Austrian wineries, Schmuckenschlager assured that there would be no wine shortage, despite the reduced harvest.
Quality of the 2024 Vintage
Despite the lower yield, the 2024 vintage is shaping up to be of high quality, particularly for red wines. The smaller berry size, combined with accelerated ripening, has produced dense, highly concentrated grapes with rich color and flavor. “We can expect particularly ripe and dense red wines this year,” Schmuckenschlager noted. The early harvest has been crucial in achieving a harmonious balance between sugar and acidity, ensuring that the wines from this vintage will have an appealing structure and depth.
The advanced ripening of the grapes, facilitated by the warm summer, means that the harvest began earlier than usual in most regions. In Burgenland, the main harvest started at the end of August, while regions such as Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), Steiermark (Styria), and Vienna began their harvests in early September.
Responsible Drinking in the Spotlight
During the press conference, Schmuckenschlager also addressed broader concerns about alcohol consumption. He emphasized the importance of responsible drinking, noting that while the wine industry stands firmly against alcohol abuse, not all alcohol consumption should be viewed negatively. “Moderation is key,” he said, rejecting blanket judgements against all alcohol. He underscored the industry’s commitment to promoting responsible drinking habits.
Conclusion
Austria’s 2024 wine harvest has been marked by an exceptionally early start and lower-than-average yields, driven by unpredictable weather conditions. Despite these challenges, the quality of the vintage, particularly for red wines, appears promising. While lower volumes may cause some concerns, Austria’s winemakers have adapted to the changing climate, ensuring that the 2024 vintage will still deliver mature, harmonious wines. As the industry continues to navigate the effects of climate change, responsible practices in both winemaking and alcohol consumption remain central to its outlook.
Source: Austrian Wine Marketing