Global wine production plummets

February 14, 2008

The global grape and wine production for the year 2007 "is at its lowest level within the last 10 years," writes the editor of The Wine Mirror, a Saint Gobin Containers Publication in Fairfield, California.

Not only was there a shortage of grapes and wines produced here in North Carolina, but this shortage also extended Worldwide! The number one reason for this global shortage writes the editor, "Is Dry Weather!"

According to a Vitisphere study – October 1, 2007 – this will be their first time that wine lovers will experience an under production of wine.

Now lets take a closer look at this grape and wine production decline. Just within the last five years, European harvests show a decrease of 155 million cases of wine. Producing countries in Europe – France, Spain and Italy – are showing strong production declines. France is now leading the way with a decrease of 562 million cases – a 5 percent decline. Spain is showing a 444 million cases, or a 12 percent, decline with Italy not far behind – 506 million cases, a 9 percent decline.

Only northern and eastern Europe is showing some growth:Germany with a 9 percent increase producing 107 million cases and Romania with a 13 percent increase producing 61 million cases of wine a year.

At the present time, the United States and the Southern Hemisphere's grape and wine production seems to be "steady." Let's hope these productions stay this way. However, according to the Vitisphere research, the 2007 global decline is not a temporary situation. The wine economy is entering a new phase defined by: (1) Slow production growth due to investments due to the economic crisis and; (2) Worldwide increase in wine consumption!

With wine markets stocking wines from every country worldwide – now reported with more than 4,000 different wines to choose from – wine consumption will continue to change from season to season as wine lovers are exposed to different wine tastes!

The enjoyment of drinking a glass of "good wine" is like enjoying the taste of a "good food!" You will try both! So just continue your food and wine everyday.

Buddy Harrell, Bennett Vineyards