Global wine production up

Global wine output edged higher in 2025, rising 3 per cent after 2024’s historic low, according to International Organisation of Vine and Wine, as mixed regional harvests brought a cautious rebound despite climate strain and softer demand.

In the northern hemisphere, Italy stood out with a 7 per cent increase and became the world’s largest producer, while France and Spain recorded sharply smaller crops due to drought, heat and vineyard restructuring. US production rose slightly but stayed below recent averages.

Southern hemisphere volumes grew 7 per cent, led by Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. New Zealand delivered its second-largest harvest on record, helped by expanding vineyard area reported by New Zealand Winegrowers. Even so, most producers remain below five-year averages, notes Wine Australia.

Longer term, global production has fallen more than 20 per cent since 2018, while consumption continues to slide. Forecasts from IWSR suggest demand will shrink a further 1 per cent annually, keeping pressure on supply and prompting calls for vineyard rationalisation worldwide.