World wine production plummets

The Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin (OIV) in its press release called it "A historically low 2017 production especially in Western Europe due to unfavourable climate conditions."  GLOBAL ECONOMIC VITIVINICULTURE DATA estimated 2017 World wine production  at 246.7 mhl, a fall of 8.2% compared with 2016.

In 2017, world wine production dropped to its lowest since the 1960s, mainly due to a drop in production in Europe as a result of several climate change factors. Extreme weather events -- frost and drought -- significantly affected wine production in the three main regions in  France, Italy and Spain. Production was down in Germany and Greece as well.

The US maintained it's high level of production despite the fires in California as they took place after the harvest. Argentina recorded a 25% increase in production. Increases were also noted Brazil and South Africa. Chile declined for the second year. Austalian production grew and New Zealand maintained a high level despite a slight decline from the previous year, which had been especially good.

Vintners around the world are concerned about the abiotic stress caused by climate change. In the next blog entry, I will look at the movement to use biotechnology to improve resistance of vines to changes in climatic conditions, including drought, heat, freezing, and soil salinity.


OIV Press Release

Wine Market Reports