The global wine grape harvest in 2024 is estimated to be even lower than the historic low 2023 vintage, reflecting negative weather events combined with active strategies to reduce production, Wine Australia reports.
In the southern hemisphere, Australia and Argentina both saw substantial increases compared with their 2023 vintages, but remained below their 5-year averages.
Chile and South Africa both declined to their lowest totals for more than 10 years, and well below their 5-year averages.
Argentina regained its position as largest southern hemisphere producer, while Chile slipped to third.
Chile is believed to have removed up to 20% of its vineyard area in 2023-24, while New Zealand had a smaller vintage than the past two near-record crops.
In the northern hemisphere, France saw the greatest reduction: down 23% compared with 2023 and 16% below its 5-year average.
Unfavourable weather conditions related to climate change were the main driver, although distillation and removal programs also contributed.
Italy increased by 7% after its very low 2023 harvest,
to reclaim the title of world's largest wine
producer while Spain saw the largest increase globally - up 18% - to be close to its 5-year average.
International Organisation of Vine and Wine figures indicate that global wine production in 2024 was even lower than 2023, making it two in a row that are the lowest in 60 years.
The 2024 vintage total of 23 billion litres was 10 per cent below the 5- year average.
