2024: The lowest global wine production in decades
In 2024, global wine production (excluding juice and musts) was estimated at 225.8 million hectolitres, marking a 4.8% decline from 2023. This is the lowest level since 1961 and reflects a continuation of the climate and market-driven pressures seen the year before.
Key factors behind the decline:
- Extreme climate events: Frosts, droughts, and heavy rains disrupted vineyard conditions globally.
- Increased disease pressure: High humidity and weather variability favoured fungal outbreaks.
- Market-related adjustments: Inventory levels and lower consumption volumes influenced production in certain regions.
Northern Hemisphere overview
European Union: Climate extremes across the board
The EU, traditionally home to the largest producing nations, recorded 138.3 mhl, its lowest volume since the early 2000s. Countries faced both ends of the weather spectrum, from hydric stress to excessive rainfall, leading to inconsistent yields.
- Italy: Maintained global leadership with 44.1 mhl, a 15% increase from 2023 but still below the five-year average. Northern regions saw hailstorm-related damage.
- France: Saw a steep decline to 36.1 mhl (−23.5% YoY), its lowest since 1957. Challenges included fungal diseases and poor flowering conditions.
- Spain: Produced 31.0 mhl, a 9.3% recovery from 2023, thanks to favourable conditions in Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura.
Other notable EU performances:
- Germany: 7.8 mhl (−9.8%)
- Portugal: 6.9 mhl (−8.2%)
- Romania: 3.7 mhl (−19.8%)
- Austria: 2.2 mhl (−8.8%)
Some nations showed positive trends:
- Hungary: 2.7 mhl (+10%)
- Greece: 1.4 mhl (+1.4%)
Neighbouring and Asian producers
- Russia: Posted a strong 5.4 mhl (+19.3%)—its highest since 2015.
- Georgia: Reached 2.4 mhl, the best output since the start of the century.
- Moldova: Fell sharply to 1.1 mhl (−39.7%).
- China: Declined to 2.6 mhl (−17%), continuing a multi-year trend.
United States: Heat and inventory impact volumes
In the USA, wine production fell to 21.1 mhl (−17.2% from 2023), the lowest in over a decade. California, responsible for the majority of U.S. wine output, saw its smallest harvest since 2004 due to extreme heat.
Southern Hemisphere overview
A second consecutive low year
The Southern Hemisphere recorded 45.8 mhl in 2024, down 3.6% from 2023 and nearly 14% below the five-year average. Extreme weather remained a dominant factor, with smaller harvests seen across most major producing countries.
- Argentina: Led the region with 10.9 mhl (+23.3%), recovering from a poor 2023 but still slightly under its average.
- Chile: Produced 9.3 mhl (−15.6%) amid drought and delayed harvests.
- Brazil: Dropped sharply to 2.1 mhl (−41%), with heavy spring rains causing mildew outbreaks.
- South Africa: Reached 8.8 mhl (−5.1%), the lowest since 2005. Weather challenges included frost, wind damage, and flooding.
Oceania: Mixed results
- Australia: Produced 10.2 mhl (+5.3%), a modest rebound from 2023 yet 16% below the five-year norm.
- New Zealand: Output fell to 2.8 mhl (−21.2%) following frost damage in Marlborough during flowering.
