Global wine production dips by 10%

The amount of wine made around the world this year compared to last year’s bumper crop has dipped by 10%, with analysts blaming the decline on unfavourable weather conditions.

Global wine production is down by 10% on last year

New statistics from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) show that global wine production fell from 294 million hectolitres in 2018 to 263mhl this year.

Production was down this year across the major wine regions of France, Italy and Spain, with France and Italy experiencing a slump of 15% and Spain a more dramatic 24% drop.

“This can be explained mainly by random weather conditions, notably a very cold and rainy spring followed by an extremely hot and dry summer,” the OIV said.

Total European wine production came in at 156 million hectolitres. America fared better, with the number of grapes going into the crusher only dipping by 1% on last year.

Across the pond, production fell in Argentina by 10% and in Chile by 7%. Bucking the trend was South Africa, where volumes were up by 3% on last year after a run of smaller-than-average vintages due to three years of drought.

The OIV’s figures are based on data from 28 countries, representing 85% of world wine production.