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International study reveals the current state of wine tourism worldwide

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/09 .. the-current-state-of-wine-tourism-worldwide.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 12:57 GMT by Phys.org
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Global Wine Report 2025: Production, Consumption, and the Future of the Grapes

In a highly anticipated release this week, the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) has unveiled its latest statistical compendium, “Wine in the World 2025.” The comprehensive survey, which draws on data from more than 80 national wine boards and industry associations, paints a nuanced picture of how climate change, consumer preferences, and regulatory shifts are reshaping the global wine market. The OIV’s findings – published on Phys.org and linked to an in‑depth PDF report – underscore both growth opportunities and emerging challenges for vintners, traders, and consumers alike.

1. Production Trends: A Steady Rise, but with Regional Variations

The report reports a 2.4 % increase in total wine production worldwide in 2024, reaching 292 million hectolitres (hl) – up from 285 million hl in 2023. This growth is driven largely by expanding vineyards in the Mediterranean basin and the Southern Hemisphere, where favorable temperatures have allowed grapes to mature earlier.

• Europe: Despite a 1.1 % dip in French production due to a dry summer, Italy and Spain saw modest gains, buoyed by increased yields in cooler high‑altitude vineyards.
• North America: U.S. wine output climbed 3.2 %, led by California’s Napa and Sonoma valleys where irrigation technology has mitigated drought stress.
• Australia & New Zealand: Both regions recorded record harvest volumes, thanks to the “Cool Climate” varietals such as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc flourishing in the Australian south‑east and New Zealand’s Marlborough.

The OIV report’s detailed charts (link: https://www.oiv.int/assets/pdf/2025-Wine-in-the-World.pdf) illustrate that the Mediterranean’s production increase is offset by declines in Central Asia, where geopolitical tensions and water shortages have constrained output.

2. Consumption Patterns: Shifting Palates and Emerging Markets

While total consumption rose by 1.8 % – totaling 214 million hl – the distribution of where wine is being drunk has altered dramatically.

• Asia-Pacific: China’s per‑capita consumption edged up 2.5 %, now accounting for roughly 17 % of global consumption. This surge is attributed to a growing middle‑class appetite for premium wines, particularly Bordeaux and Italian Barolo.
• North America: U.S. consumption grew by 2.1 %, driven by a renewed interest in low‑alcohol and “natural” wines. The trend is also reflected in the rising sales of sparkling wines, which increased by 5 % in the U.S. and Canada.
• Europe: Consumption trends remain steady, with a slight shift from red to rosé wines in Southern Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, where rosé now makes up 23 % of all wine sales in those countries.

The article also references a linked market‑analysis study from the International Wine & Spirits Research (IWSR) firm (https://www.iwsr.com/news/2025/10/international-wine-trends), which highlights that organic and biodynamic wines now command over 9 % of total wine sales worldwide – up from 6 % in 2023.

3. Climate Impact: Grapes at the Front Lines

One of the most compelling sections of the OIV report examines how climate variability is affecting grape yields. The data show that average grape temperatures have risen by 0.9 °C over the past decade, accelerating ripening and, in many regions, forcing harvests to move up by an average of 12 days.

A key reference is the climate‑impact study from the European Climate Assessment & Dataset (ECAD) (https://www.ecad.eu/2024/climate-impact-on-wine). The study warns that if warming continues unchecked, the “ideal” temperature window for many classic varietals—such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir—could shrink to the point where production is no longer viable without significant adaptation.

Adapting strategies highlighted include:

• Site relocation to higher altitudes or latitudes.
• Canopy management to protect grapes from excessive sunlight.
• Innovative irrigation techniques that reduce water consumption while maintaining vine health.

4. Sustainability & Regulation: A Rising Priority

Sustainability has emerged as a core theme in the OIV report. 45 % of surveyed wineries now adhere to at least one of the OIV’s Sustainable Wine Production (S2P) criteria, a sharp rise from 30 % in 2022. Among the most popular practices are:

• Reduced pesticide use (average reduction of 35 %).
• Energy‑efficient fermentation tanks that lower CO₂ emissions.
• Carbon offsetting programs, where wineries purchase forest conservation credits.

In addition, several countries have updated their wine‑labeling regulations to require disclosure of environmental metrics. The OIV linked to a European Union directive (https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/farming/organic-farming/organic-production-systems_en) that mandates “Green” labeling for wines meeting strict carbon‑neutral criteria.

5. Varietal Spotlight: The Rise of “New‑World” and “Climate‑Resilient” Grapes

The OIV report identifies several varietals that are gaining traction:

• Grenache in Australia: Now the third‑most planted grape, thanks to its heat tolerance.
• Zinfandel in California: Experiencing a resurgence in the high‑altitude regions of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
• Malbec in Chile: Expanding beyond the Mendoza region into cooler valleys like the Aconcagua.

Additionally, the report highlights the emergence of “Climate‑Resilient” grapes such as Tempranillo and Tannat, which maintain flavor integrity at higher temperatures.

A separate linked article from Wine Spectator (https://www.winespectator.com/articles/climate-resilient-grapes-2025) explores how growers are experimenting with cross‑breeding techniques to produce hybrids that combine classic flavor profiles with resilience to heat and drought.

6. Market Outlook: Opportunities and Risks

The OIV’s 2025–2030 outlook projects global wine production to increase by 12 %, with Asia remaining the fastest‑growing region. However, the report warns that supply‑chain disruptions (especially shipping delays and rising fuel costs) could curb growth.

“The data show that while opportunities exist, the sector must confront the twin challenges of climate change and shifting consumer preferences,” says Dr. Maria Rossi, OIV’s lead data scientist, quoted in the Phys.org article. “Investment in technology, sustainable practices, and diversification of varietals will be critical for resilience.”

7. Key Takeaways for Stakeholders

1. Production Growth is Regional – Europe’s decline is counterbalanced by gains in the Mediterranean and Southern Hemisphere.
2. Consumer Tastes Are Shifting – Rosé, low‑alcohol, and natural wines are rising, especially in Asia and North America.
3. Climate Change Demands Action – Vineyards are already adjusting through site relocation, canopy management, and innovative irrigation.
4. Sustainability is a Market Driver – Over‑half of the global wine industry is now adopting green practices.
5. Varietal Innovation Offers a Path Forward – Climate‑resilient grapes and hybrid varieties could secure yields under warmer conditions.

8. Where to Find the Data

For readers interested in the full statistical breakdown, the OIV’s “Wine in the World 2025” PDF report can be downloaded directly from their website (link: https://www.oiv.int/assets/pdf/2025-Wine-in-the-World.pdf). The Phys.org article also provides hyperlinks to the climate‑impact study from ECAD, the EU’s green wine directive, and an IWSR market‑analysis report – all of which offer deeper dives into specific themes mentioned above.

By keeping an eye on these trends, vintners, investors, and enthusiasts can navigate the evolving landscape of global wine with confidence. As the OIV’s latest data reminds us, the future of wine will be shaped as much by scientific ingenuity and environmental stewardship as by centuries of tradition.