For generations, wine has been an essential part of our culture and lifestyle and it continues to be one of the most widely consumed alcoholic drinks nowadays. The latest results show that wine production in some countries has registered a slight decrease while in other regions the reverse is true which is mainly the result of different weather conditions.
Wine production in the world
Based on the latest data collected from 29 countries (responsible for over 90% of global wine production) provided by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), the global production of wine is anticipated to range between 257.5 and 262.3 mhl (millions of hectoliters).
Fig.1. Global wine production for the 2000-2022 period (in Million hectolitres)
* 1 mhl = 100,000,000 liters, 26,400,000 gallons, or 133,000,000 bottles.
Source: World Wine Production Outlook
Wine production in the Northern Hemisphere
- Throughout the 2022 season, a number of unfavorable weather events were recorded in Europe, including spring frost, hail, excessive heat, and drought.
- Italy and France performed well in comparison to Greece and Spain, where the summer heat wave had an adverse effect on the harvest.
- Harvest predictions for the USA show a slight decrease compared to 2021, and yet the 5-year average has remained almost the same (see the tables below for detailed data).
Wine production in the Southern Hemisphere
- Despite the record-breaking results of 2021, vineyards barely yielded average quantities in 2022 with just one exception and that is New Zealand which, due to favorable weather conditions, managed to show a production level that exceeded its all-time high.
Wine production by country
Despite the drought that affected certain areas, 2022 turned out to be a good year for winemaking in the two biggest EU-producing countries, Italy and France mostly due to the precipitation that fell at the end of the summer. These two nations produced around 36% of global wine production and over half of the total volume produced in the EU.
Promising results in 2021 were noted in Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Croatia where vineyards benefited from the dry and hot season.
Top wine producers in the Northern Hemisphere
Italy
Italy, which continues to produce the most wine in Europe and the world (50.3 mhl as per 2022) predicts a volume consistent with its 2021 wine-making. Its 5-year average is almost 49 mhl per year.
France
Although France had a rather poor vintage in 2021, that was marred by severe damage caused by an early frost in April followed by a rainy summer season and hailstorms, the country ranks second in the EU and the world. In 2022 it anticipates a production level 17% higher compared to 2021.
Spain
With 33.0 mhl of wine output in 2022, Spain ranks third in the TOP. Its volume is predicted to be comparatively low (-6% relative to 2021 and 12% below its five-year median) which can be ascribed to the drought and reduced water access in many areas.
Fig.2. Top 10 wine-producing countries in the European Union (in Millions hectoliters)
Source: World Wine Production Outlook
Top wine producers outside the EU
- The initial projection for 2022 wine output in the USA, the fourth largest producer globally, is 23.1 mhl.
- Information on the Chinese and Russian grape harvest during this period is not available.
- Among Eastern European nations, Georgia has achieved promising results due to a combination of favorable weather and a state subsidy initiative.
Fig.3. Wine-producing countries outside the EU
Source: World Wine Production Outlook
- The volume of wine produced in tiny Moldova in 2022 is predicted to reach 1.3 mhl, a drop of around 7% from the volume in 2021.
- Switzerland is anticipated to achieve 1.0 mhl, up 59% from the incredibly low figure in 2021. Swiss vineyards at comparatively high altitudes benefited from the heatwaves that affected much of Europe.
Top wine producers in the Southern Hemisphere
In 2020, the volume of wine produced in the Southern hemisphere registered a significant drop due to unfavorable weather conditions. The following year showed a rich harvest, and in 2022 it is predicted to be roughly 55 mhl, down 7% from 2021.
Fig.3. Wine-producing countries in the Southern Hemisphere
Source: World Wine Production Outlook
Chile
Chile ranked first in the Southern hemisphere in 2022 and seventh globally, with a 12.4 mhl output forecast due to dry weather.
Argentina
Argentina’s wine output at 11.4 mhl declined by roughly 1.0 mhl in 2022 on the previous year as a result of the highly unpredictable weather (frost, excessive rains, etc.).
Brazil
In 2022, 3.2 mhl of wine is anticipated to be produced in this country which is greater than the 5-year average, albeit a 10% decrease from 2021.
South Africa
South Africa is predicted to register a wine output of 10.4 mhl in 2022, a 4% decline from 2021.
Australia
Among all the major wine producers in the Southern hemisphere, Australia saw the biggest negative change, recording a -18% decrease from 2021, and reaching 12.1 mhl. The primary causes were lower springtime temperatures and strong summer rains.
New Zealand
In 2022, the country witnessed its highest wine productivity levels in history, hitting 3.8 mhl (+44%/2021). Such an exceptional result was influenced by a combination of favorable meteorological circumstances and strong global demand.
Top wine producers on the globe
This table lists the top 10 wine producers in the world based on a 5-year average (Million hectoliters):
Final word
Since ancient times, wine has played a crucial role in human culture and is still one of the most popular alcoholic drinks consumed. Global wine production is anticipated to remain roughly flat in 2022 compared to 2021, with a minor increase in certain nations and a slight reduction in others. Italy continues to be the world’s major wine producer, followed by Spain and France.
Despite unfavorable weather in some areas, several countries like Georgia, Switzerland, and New Zealand, have reported optimistic wine production estimates for 2022. The global wine market is healthy overall and wine continues to be important to many countries’ economy and culture.
