On May 27, 2025, the Regulatory Council of the Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) Rioja released its comprehensive 2024 Annual Report, offering a detailed overview of one of Spain's most iconic wine regions during a turbulent period for the global wine industry.
Under the leadership of President Fernando Ezquerro, the report reflects on a year marked by economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and a continued decline in global wine consumption, yet also one that demonstrated the resilience, unity, and adaptability of Rioja’s wine sector.
Strategic Resilience Amid Adversity
In his opening address, Ezquerro described 2024 as a year requiring discipline and innovation. Despite a 27.02% drop in qualified wine production (down to 189.4 million liters), commercialized wine volumes rose by 0.63% to over 240 million liters, showing the region’s ability to manage inventory and maintain market presence. The vineyard surface remained stable at 66,638 hectares, and Rioja retained the world’s largest barrel stock, with over 1.29 million barrels.
Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
The DOCa Rioja strengthened its quality assurance through a revised sensory evaluation protocol and AI tools for vineyard yield estimation. The 2023 harvest was rated ‘Very Good’, based on over 5,300 wine samples analyzed. Additionally, the 2024 harvest, which spanned from August to October, yielded 189.4 million liters of wine, with white and rosé varieties receiving ‘Very Good’ ratings and the vintage overall rated as ‘Good’.
Sustainability continued to be a pillar of DOCa Rioja’s vision, with initiatives such as the DATADOC climate monitoring project, protections under Law 1/2024 for vineyard landscapes, and increased investments in vineyard heritage and environmental responsibility.
Wine Tourism: A Cornerstone of Growth
Tourism proved to be a bright spot. With a record 912,438 visitors and a 6.07% increase in economic impact (EUR 197.2 million), Rioja reaffirmed its status as Spain’s premier wine tourism destination. International visitors accounted for 36.27% of total visits. Average spend per visitor rose significantly, and winery tourism investments increased by 70.48%, highlighting growing demand and enhanced experiences.
Global Promotion and Market Expansion
DOCa Rioja’s export strategy delivered tangible results, with international sales rising 4.42% and notable growth in the U.K. (+12%) and the U.S. (+17%). Campaigns reached global markets including Germany, China, Canada, and Mexico. Rioja wines continued to earn international recognition, with awards from Decanter, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and features in Tim Atkin’s rankings.
Educational outreach was also robust. The Rioja Wine Academy, operating in three languages, now has over 28,000 enrolled students. New initiatives such as the “Rioja Tasting Essentials” online course and the “Rioja Camp” for wine professionals underscored Rioja’s role in global wine education.
Governance and Institutional Impact
The Consejo Regulador’s governance structure of 32 representatives continues to shape the region’s future. 2024 saw strategic decisions including a revised zone labeling framework, a EUR 15.7 million operating budget, and a EUR 9 million extraordinary promotion budget. Legal and administrative departments processed thousands of cases and certifications, while protection of the ‘Rioja’ trademark remained a key priority amid legal challenges.
In a pivotal moment, the Basque Country Superior Court of Justice annulled the regional push for the DOP Arabako Mahastiak/Viñedos de Álava, affirming Rioja’s territorial integrity—though the matter remains under appeal.
Looking Ahead: Cohesion and Vision
As Ezquerro nears the end of his term in early 2025, he reflects on a tenure marked by strategic growth, innovation, and sectoral unity. Rioja’s path forward is defined by its dedication to quality, sustainability, education, and global market presence.
Despite the broader challenges faced by the wine world, DOCa Rioja’s 2024 report makes one message clear: the region is evolving with strength, coherence, and a clear vision for the future.
Source: Vinetur