What’s behind global wine production hitting its lowest levels since 1961

AI-generated image of wine bottles (Picture credit: Canva AI)

Global wine production is expected to fall to its lowest level in over six decades, according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). This decline is primarily attributed to the effects of climate change.
The OIV estimates 2024’s total wine production to be between 227 million and 235 million hectoliters. This data comes from 29 countries which represent 85% of global wine production. A mid-range estimate of 231 million hectoliters signifies a 2% decrease compared to 2023 and a 13% drop compared to the average of the preceding 10 years.
“Climatic challenges across both hemispheres are once again major contributors to the reduced global production volume,” the OIV said in its report. The organization stressed the impact of extreme weather across key wine regions.
“As with 2023, extreme or atypical meteorological events are the key influence on global production, with early frosts, heavy rainfall, and prolonged drought dramatically impacting vineyard productivity.”
France, the largest wine producer in 2023, is projected to experience a significant 23% decrease in output. While Italy’s production has slightly rebounded from last year, it is now expected to surpass France as the top producer.
The OIV noted some exceptions to the downward trend. “Only a small group of regions — notably the United States and several Eastern European countries including Hungary, Georgia, and Moldova — enjoyed more favourable climatic conditions, achieving average or above-average production volumes.”