British wine producers were able to harvest almost 10 tons of grapes per hectare on average in 2023 - 50% more than the previous record. Production of 20 to 22 million bottles is expected - nearly three times as many as were sold in 2022.
The International Organisation of Vine & Wine (OIV) estimate that 2023 wine production will be 7% lower than the below-average volume of 2022, and it says, the lowest output since 1961. Does this tally with what we at Ciatti are hearing, and what should we make of it?
The wine production forecasts from the OIV indicate a significant decrease, falling by 7% to 244 mhl, marking a historic dip. Yet, this reduction might help to stabilize the international market.
The 2023 wine harvest across Europe amounts to about 150m hectolitres, approximately 5.5% below the five-year average. Countries in Eastern Europe, especially those hit by severe weather, are reporting significant losses.
It’s got a wine-growing history that dates back to the Roman world. It’s got more than 220 authorised grape varieties over 55,000 hectares of vineyards, and it’s one of the most exciting wine-growing countries in Europe.