Greece at the Bottom of Wine Production – Second Lowest Year in History

Wine production in the European Union is going through one of its most challenging periods in the last two decades. According to the latest estimates by the European Commission, for the 2024/25 wine year, output is expected to fall sharply, hitting historic lows.

Adverse weather conditions, a gradual decline in consumption, and turmoil in global trade have brought the wine sector to a critical crossroads.

Total EU wine production for 2024/25 is estimated at just 137 million hectolitres, a 5% drop compared to last year and 10% below the five-year average. This marks the lowest output in the past 20 years, sparking concern across the industry.

The dramatic fall is attributed to severe weather events that hit especially hard in France (-25%), Germany (-11%), and Portugal (-8%). In France, excessive rainfall and humidity caused widespread fungal diseases, while spring frosts and hailstorms damaged vineyards.

In contrast, Italy (+15%) and Spain (+10%) recorded positive growth, with Italy emerging as the leading wine producer in Europe for 2024/25.

Greek vineyards under strain

Greece has not escaped the wider downturn. The country’s wine output for 2024/25 reached 1,430,666 hl, slightly higher than last season but still the second lowest on record. This underlines a chronic underproduction problem, with output failing to meet even domestic demand.

Production is down 33% compared to the five-year average and even further below the historical average of 1993–2013. This has put pressure on wineries and led to higher wholesale prices, though producer prices have not risen proportionally.

Commenting on the current season, Stellios Boutaris, president of the Greek Wine Federation (SEO), recently said: “We expect similarly low volumes, perhaps slightly higher in Northern Greece, and increased prices. We remain cautiously optimistic.”

Consumption falling across the EU

EU wine consumption continues its long-term decline, with a projected 3% drop in 2024/25 to 93 million hectolitres. The fall is most pronounced for red wines, as consumers shift towards healthier or lighter beverages.

EU wine exports fell by 3% between August 2024 and April 2025, down to 21 million hectolitres, mainly due to reduced shipments of PGI wines to the UK. A small but temporary recovery was recorded towards the US at the end of 2024, driven by fears of new tariffs.

Imports are expected to remain stable despite falling domestic production and declining consumption.

Wine stocks at the end of 2024/25 are projected to fall below the five-year average of 157 million hectolitres, adding further pressure to the market.

A glimmer of hope

Despite the difficult backdrop, the Commission’s report leaves room for optimism heading into 2025/26. Favourable spring weather in 2025 and the absence of major threats so far raise hopes of stabilisation or even a reversal of the downward trend in European wine production.

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Source: pagenews.gr