Poor weather conditions are poised to deliver a significant blow to global wine production this year, with Australia in particular facing challenges due to an increased risk of heatwaves and bushfires in the coming months.
The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OVW) has attributed an expected 7% decline in wine production (excluding juices and musts) in 2023, compared to the previous year, to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and drought in wine-producing countries around the world. This drop is anticipated to result in the lowest wine production levels since 1961, with figures estimated at 214 million hectoliters (mhl), falling below the previous record low of 248 mhl in 2017.
The OVW, responsible for providing essential data to grape and wine-producing and consuming nations, collected data from 29 countries, representing 94% of the global wine production, to arrive at this figure.
“In the Southern Hemisphere, wine production volumes are expected to be well below 2022 figures,” the OVW stated. “Australia, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and Brazil were all heavily affected by adverse weather conditions.”
Notably, Australia, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and Brazil experienced substantial reductions in production, ranging from 10% to 30%. The only exception in the Southern Hemisphere was New Zealand, which managed to surpass its five-year production average for 2023.
The impact of extreme weather conditions has cast a shadow over global wine production, challenging winemakers in several key regions. While it remains to be seen how these difficulties will affect the wine market, the wine industry must navigate a challenging landscape as it grapples with lower production levels due to unfavorable climatic conditions.
