Global Wine Production Hit Hard by Climate Shocks, Reports OIV
Global wine production has fallen to one of its lowest levels in decades as extreme weather and climate disruptions continue to batter vineyards around the world, according to a new report by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).
The OIV said that severe droughts, unexpected frosts, heavy rainfall, and wildfires have collectively reduced grape yields across both hemispheres. From Europe’s traditional vineyards to new producers in the Southern Hemisphere, the effects of a changing climate are increasingly evident in the wine industry’s output and quality.
Preliminary data show that global wine production for the year dropped significantly compared with previous averages, with countries such as France, Italy, and Spain seeing steep declines due to erratic weather patterns. Together, these three countries typically account for more than half of the world’s wine output, making their reduced production a major factor in the global shortfall.
“This is one of the smallest harvests the modern wine world has seen,” said Pau Roca, director general of the OIV. “Unstable climatic conditions have made grape growing more unpredictable than ever before. Even regions once considered secure from climate risks are now feeling the pressure.”
In France, spring frosts damaged early buds in key wine regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, while Italy faced prolonged droughts that stressed vines and cut yields. Spain struggled with a combination of heat waves and water shortages, particularly in Castilla-La Mancha, one of its largest wine-producing areas.
Outside Europe, the story is similar. In the Southern Hemisphere, producers in Argentina, Chile, and South Africa also reported sharp declines in grape harvests. Australia, often hit by both flooding and fire, saw localized damage that affected some of its premier regions.
Climate experts warn that these conditions may become the “new normal,” pushing winemakers to adapt by changing grape varieties, relocating vineyards to cooler areas, or investing in new irrigation and soil management technologies. Some producers are even turning to data-driven agriculture and AI to predict the best harvest times and mitigate losses.
Despite the decline in volume, demand for high-quality wines remains strong, with some analysts predicting higher prices as supply tightens. The OIV emphasized that global collaboration and sustainable practices will be key to maintaining the industry’s long-term health.
“The world of wine is at a crossroads,” Roca said. “The challenge now is to protect both the environment and the cultural heritage of winemaking in a rapidly changing climate.”
