Global wine production reaches lowest level in 62 years

Fires, droughts, and several other conditions typically associated with global climate change have contributed considerably to global wine production in 2023 being the worst in 62 years, industry officials said.

The 2023 global grape and wine industry report, published by the France-based International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), cites "extreme environmental conditions" as the main reason for a 10% drop in global wine production in 2023.

According to OIV director John Barker, drought, extreme heat and fires, as well as heavy rains that caused floods and fungal diseases in the main wine regions of the northern and southern hemispheres were the main factors in the decline in the global level of wine production.

The 10% decline in global wine production was the sharpest in 62 years, the industry report said. The grape harvest was the lowest since 1961.

A 26% decline in wine production in Australia and a 23% decline in Italy are the worst results for 2023 in these countries. Spain lost more than 20% of its wine production, while Chile and South Africa each fell by 10%.

France, the world's largest producer of wine, recorded 4% growth last year, the report said.

In addition to climatic conditions, the report notes that less and less land is becoming available for growing grapes and making wine.

Land available for grape and wine production declined for the third year in a row, with just 17.7 million acres devoted to viticulture and winemaking worldwide.

The report found also that consumers drank 3% less wine in 2023 due to inflation and slowing economic growth in China, leading to a 25% drop in wine consumption in the country.

The International Organization of Vine and Wine includes 50 countries that account for 75% of global wine production.