Global wine production hits 2 consecutive years of lows as climate change destroys harvests

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) has announced that preliminary estimates indicate this year’s global wine production is likely to hit its lowest level in 60 years due to adverse weather conditions. During the opening ceremony of the OIV’s 45th session held in Dijon, France, Secretary General John Barker noted, “Early signs suggest that 2024 will be another year with relatively low production, potentially falling below 250 million hectoliters.”

Last year, the global wine output was approximately 237 million hectoliters, a figure that marked the lowest since 1961, largely attributed to droughts, heatwaves, and floods.

Giorgio Delgrosso, the head of the OIV’s statistics department, explained that this year’s production estimates are based on data from several major wine-producing countries, which together account for about three-quarters of the world’s output.

Delgrosso pointed out that while low production levels continue in major wine-producing countries such as Spain, Italy, Australia, and Argentina, there has been some improvement compared to last year’s dismal figures. However, the performances of France and Chile have declined relative to last year.

The main topics of this session include climate change and shifting consumption trends. Barker also emphasized that fluctuations in annual wine production are normal, but the past 30 years have seen a relative stability within the range of 250 to 300 million hectoliters. “Thus, last year’s global production falling below this lower threshold is significant,” he stated.