Global wine production is anticipated to plummet to its lowest point in 62 years in 2023 due to adverse weather conditions impacting vineyards around the world. The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) has revealed that wine production worldwide is projected to decrease by approximately 7% in 2023 compared to the previous year, marking the lowest output since 1961.
This dramatic decline in wine production is attributed to a series of unfavorable weather events, including frost, heavy rainfall, and drought, which have affected vineyards across the globe. Giorgio Delgrosso, the head of statistics at the OIV, described the situation as a “perfect storm” in both the northern and southern hemispheres, culminating in this catastrophic scenario.
The OIV’s analysis is based on data from countries representing 94% of the world’s wine production. The European Union, responsible for over 60% of the world’s wine production, experienced reduced yields in almost every member state. Rains and storms impacted some countries, while others faced droughts. Spain saw a 14% decrease in yields, and Italy experienced a 12% reduction due to dry weather conditions affecting grape harvests.
In contrast, France managed to maintain steady wine production levels, making it the world’s largest wine producer and surpassing Italy in the process.
Southern hemisphere nations were not spared from the wine production crisis. Chile, the largest wine producer in the southern hemisphere, saw yields decline by 20% due to droughts and wildfires. Similarly, Australia’s wine production dropped by a quarter compared to the previous year.
