Picture a world where over 260 million bathtubs full of wine were filled last year, painting a fascinating portrait of global production, consumption, and our favorite grape varieties.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, global wine production reached 260 million hectoliters (mhl), marking a 9% increase from 2021 due to favorable weather in the Northern Hemisphere
- Global vineyard surface area stood at 7.2 million hectares in 2021, slightly down from previous years
- In 2021, world wine production was 253 mhl, affected by frost in France and wildfires in the US
- France produced 49.7 mhl of wine in 2022, the highest in the world, accounting for 19% of global output despite a slight decline from previous years
- Italy's wine production in 2022 was 39.5 mhl, securing second place globally with key contributions from Tuscany and Veneto regions
- Spain produced 36.6 mhl in 2022, third globally, boosted by Rioja and Catalonia but affected by drought in some areas
- The Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety occupied 18% of global vineyard area in 2021, totaling around 340,000 hectares
- Merlot covered 12% of world vineyards in 2021 with approximately 230,000 hectares, popular in France and Italy
- Airen grape in Spain spans over 30,000 hectares, representing 15% of Spanish vineyards and used mainly for distillation
- Global wine consumption in 2022 was 234 mhl, down 2.2% from 2021 amid economic pressures
- The United States consumed 33.7 mhl in 2022, the largest market representing 14% of global consumption
- France's per capita wine consumption was 42.7 liters in 2022, highest globally despite a declining trend
- World wine exports by volume reached 99.5 mhl in 2022, valued at €34.1 billion
- France exported €14.7 billion worth of wine in 2022, 43% of global export value, mainly to the US and UK
- Italy's wine exports were €7.8 billion in 2022, second highest, with strong demand from Germany and US
Global wine production rose in 2022 with France, Italy, and Spain leading the industry.
Consumption Patterns
- Global wine consumption in 2022 was 234 mhl, down 2.2% from 2021 amid economic pressures
- The United States consumed 33.7 mhl in 2022, the largest market representing 14% of global consumption
- France's per capita wine consumption was 42.7 liters in 2022, highest globally despite a declining trend
- Germany consumed 20.1 mhl in 2022, with per capita at 24.3 liters
- UK wine consumption grew to 14.2 mhl in 2022, up 5% driven by premium imports
- China's consumption reached 13.5 mhl in 2022, fastest growing major market at +8%
- Italy's per capita consumption was 34.2 liters in 2022
- Canada consumed 5.6 mhl in 2022, with strong growth in Ontario and BC
- Japan's consumption was 3.4 mhl in 2022, premium segment growing
- Netherlands per capita consumption hit 22.5 liters in 2022
- Belgium consumption per capita 18.9 liters in 2022
- Sweden imported €1.2 billion wine in 2022
- Australia per capita 20.1 liters consumption 2022
- Brazil consumption 3.1 mhl, sparkling leader
- India consumption 0.2 mhl growing fast
- Switzerland per capita 35.4 liters 2022
- US per capita 9.2 liters 2022
- South Korea imports €1.5 billion wine 2022
Consumption Patterns Interpretation
Amidst global economic hangovers that dampened overall wine consumption, the narrative remained spirited as the US guzzled the most by volume, France defended its title for per capita passion with a Gallic shrug, and emerging markets like China and India brought ambitious new palates to the party.
Global Production Volumes
- In 2022, global wine production reached 260 million hectoliters (mhl), marking a 9% increase from 2021 due to favorable weather in the Northern Hemisphere
- Global vineyard surface area stood at 7.2 million hectares in 2021, slightly down from previous years
- In 2021, world wine production was 253 mhl, affected by frost in France and wildfires in the US
- Global sparkling wine production was 25.6 mhl in 2022, led by Prosecco and Cava
- In 2020, world production dropped to 260 mhl due to COVID-19 impacts and weather issues
- World still wine production was 234 mhl in 2022, 90% of total output
- 2019 global production was a record 269 mhl, highest since 2004
- EU produced 152 mhl in 2022, 58% of world total
- 2018 production was 292 mhl, exceptional year for volume
- Organic wine global area 5% of vineyards in 2021, 360,000 ha
- 2023 forecast production 243 mhl, down 7% due to French drought
- Vineyard area in France 788,000 ha in 2021
- Italy vineyards 702,000 ha 2021
- Global bulk wine trade 15 mhl 2022
- Spain vineyards 947,000 ha 2021 largest area
Global Production Volumes Interpretation
After a series of vintages rollercoastering between climate's fury and a pandemic, the world’s vineyards in 2022 finally offered a reassuring, if not record-breaking, glass half full, proving the wine industry's resilience is as complex as its best bottles.
Grape Varieties
- The Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety occupied 18% of global vineyard area in 2021, totaling around 340,000 hectares
- Merlot covered 12% of world vineyards in 2021 with approximately 230,000 hectares, popular in France and Italy
- Airen grape in Spain spans over 30,000 hectares, representing 15% of Spanish vineyards and used mainly for distillation
- Syrah/Shiraz grape covered 11% of global vineyards in 2021, about 200,000 hectares, strong in Australia
- Chardonnay occupied 9% of world area, roughly 170,000 ha, dominant in Burgundy and California
- Tempranillo spanned 23% of Spanish vineyards, over 45,000 ha, key in Rioja and Ribera del Duero
- Sauvignon Blanc covered 8% of global vineyards, about 150,000 ha, key in New Zealand and Loire
- Pinot Noir occupied 6% worldwide, 110,000 ha, prominent in Burgundy and Oregon
- Garnacha (Grenache) spanned 18% of Spanish area, 35,000 ha, used in blends
- Riesling grape covers 5% globally, 90,000 ha, key in Germany and Alsace
- Sangiovese represents 12% of Italian vineyards, 70,000 ha, base for Chianti
- Monastrell (Mourvedre) occupies 10% in Spain, 20,000 ha, in Jumilla
- Malbec covers 7% of Argentine vineyards, 45,000 ha, iconic variety
- Nebbiolo 3% in Italy, Piedmont's Barolo base
- Albariño key in Rias Baixas, Spain, 4,000 ha
- Pinotage unique to South Africa, 8,000 ha
- Verdejo in Rueda, Spain 6,000 ha
- Godello in Valdeorras, Spain rising, 1,500 ha
- Chenin Blanc 8% South Africa vineyards
- Viognier rising globally, 5,000 ha Australia
- Fiano in Campania, Italy 3,000 ha
- Zinfandel California 50,000 ha
- Primitivo Puglia Italy twin to Zinfandel
- Assyrtiko Santorini Greece volcanic
Grape Varieties Interpretation
The world's vineyards tell a clear story of taste, showing that Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot reign as the globe's dominant red wine royalty, while classic regions fiercely guard their local heroes like Tempranillo in Spain and Sangiovese in Italy.
Top Producing Countries
- France produced 49.7 mhl of wine in 2022, the highest in the world, accounting for 19% of global output despite a slight decline from previous years
- Italy's wine production in 2022 was 39.5 mhl, securing second place globally with key contributions from Tuscany and Veneto regions
- Spain produced 36.6 mhl in 2022, third globally, boosted by Rioja and Catalonia but affected by drought in some areas
- United States wine production hit 24.5 mhl in 2022, primarily from California which accounts for 90% of US output
- Australia's wine production was 12.8 mhl in 2022, with South Australia contributing over 50% from regions like Barossa Valley
- Argentina produced 11.2 mhl in 2022, led by Mendoza province which represents 70% of national production
- Chile produced 12.5 mhl in 2022, fourth in South America, with Central Valley contributing 80%
- South Africa's wine production was 10.2 mhl in 2022, led by Western Cape province
- China produced 7.1 mhl in 2022, emerging as a top Asian producer with Ningxia region key
- Portugal produced 6.8 mhl in 2022, famous for Port and Douro Valley wines
- Brazil's wine production was 3.4 mhl in 2022, mainly from Serra Gaucha region
- New Zealand produced 3.2 mhl in 2022, with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc dominant
- Germany's production was 8.9 mhl in 2022, resilient despite climate challenges
- Hungary produced 3.1 mhl in 2022, known for Tokaji wines
- Romania's output was 5.6 mhl in 2022, emerging Eastern producer
- California's production was 22.4 mhl in 2022, 80% red wines
- Georgia (country) produced 1.8 mhl in 2022, ancient winemaking heritage
- Ukraine output dropped to 0.5 mhl in 2022 due to conflict
- Tuscany, Italy produced 2.5 mhl in 2022, Chianti focus
- Bordeaux, France 5.8 mhl in 2022, down 15% from weather
- Barossa Valley, Australia 0.6 mhl Shiraz in 2022
- Rioja, Spain 65,000 ha, 2.5 mhl production 2022
- Languedoc-Roussillon, France largest region 240,000 ha
- Marlborough, NZ 26,000 ha Sauvignon Blanc
- Veneto Italy 4.5 mhl Prosecco 2022
- Central Valley Chile 100,000 ha
- Oregon US 3% national Pinot Noir
Top Producing Countries Interpretation
France, despite a slight dip, still comfortably pours nearly a fifth of the world's wine, maintaining its venerable reign over a fiercely competitive global thirst that features familiar powerhouses and ambitious newcomers alike.
Trade and Economics
- World wine exports by volume reached 99.5 mhl in 2022, valued at €34.1 billion
- France exported €14.7 billion worth of wine in 2022, 43% of global export value, mainly to the US and UK
- Italy's wine exports were €7.8 billion in 2022, second highest, with strong demand from Germany and US
- Spain exported 22.5 mhl in 2022, third highest volume exporter after Italy and France
- US wine imports were valued at €6.2 billion in 2022, largest importer globally
- Russia imported €2.1 billion in wine in 2022, up due to domestic production limits
- Australia's exports reached €1.8 billion in 2022, mainly to UK and China
- Chile exported 8.9 mhl in 2022, value €2.4 billion, to US and Asia
- Global wine trade value grew 8% to €34.1 billion in 2022
- South Africa exports €0.9 billion in 2022, to UK and Germany
- Argentina exports €0.8 billion, to US mainly
- New Zealand exports €1.6 billion 2022
- Portugal exports €0.9 billion Port/Douro 2022
Trade and Economics Interpretation
In the high-stakes global wine trade, France is the unrivaled maestro conducting a €34.1 billion symphony, with Italy and Spain providing the powerful chorus, while America, thirstily holding its empty glass, foots the largest import bill.
Sources & References
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