The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) announced on October 15 that, based on initial estimates, poor climate conditions are likely to push this year’s global wine production to its lowest level in 60 years. This announcement came during the 45th annual conference held in Dijon, France.

OIV Director General John Barker opened the event by stating, “Early signs indicate that 2024 will again be a year of relatively low production, with annual output likely to fall below 250 million hectoliters.”

Last year, various adverse weather conditions—including drought, heatwaves, and flooding—resulted in a global wine production of approximately 237 million hectoliters, the lowest since 1961.

Giorgio Delgrosso, head of the OIV’s statistics department, noted that this year’s preliminary production estimates are based on data from several major wine-producing countries, which together account for about three-quarters of global output.

Delgrosso further pointed out that while wine production in countries like Spain, Italy, Australia, and Argentina remains significantly below their usual averages, there have been some improvements compared to last year’s depressed figures. However, France and Chile have experienced even worse conditions than last year.

The main topics of discussion at this year’s conference include climate change and shifting consumer trends.

Barker emphasized that fluctuations in annual wine production are normal, but he highlighted that the last 30 years have shown relative stability—with production generally ranging between 250 million and 300 million hectoliters. “Thus, it is a significant concern that last year’s global production dropped below this lower limit,” he remarked.