In 2021 extremely low world wine production volume (excluding juices and musts) is expected to come in at around 250 million hectolitres, a drop of 4% from last year and 7% below the 20-year average.
“This is the result of unfavourable climatic conditions that severely impacted the major wine-producing countries in Europe this year,” OIV (International Organization of Vine and Wine) Director Pau Roca said.
Wine consumption fell by 3% in 2020 due to the impact of Covid-related restrictions. It is expected to rebound by 2% this year and return to pre-pandemic levels, except in China, however, the impact of the low production 2021 is still unclear.
Italy, Spain and France are Europe’s leading wine producers and account for 45% of the total. They saw their output plummet 22 million hectolitres, thanks to spring frosts, hail storms and deluges of rain.
Italy, still ranking first at 44.5 mhl, estimates a drop of 9% in its 2021 wine production compared to 2020.
Spain, the second-largest wine producer in the world in 2021, estimates to produce 35.0 mhl. This level, however, is expected to be 14% lower compared to 2020.
France bore the hardest brunt of a disastrous vintage with severe frost in April, followed by summer rain, hailstorms, and mildew. Consequently, it foresees a production level of 34.2 mhl, representing a drop of 27% compared to 2020.
| Country | Wine production (million hectolitres) | Total share |
| Italy | 44.5 | 17.8% |
| Spain | 35.0 | 14.0% |
| France | 34.2 | 13.7% |
| USA | 24.1 | 9.6% |
| Australia | 14.2 | 5.7% |
| Chile | 13.4 | 5.4% |
| Argentina | 12.5 | 5.0% |
| South Africa | 10.6 | 4.2% |
| Germany | 8.8 | 3.5% |
| Portugal | 6.5 | 2.6% |
| other | 46.5 | 18.6% |
| Total | 250.3 | 100.0% |
Source: OIV First Estimates (4 November 2021)
