Climate Curveball: The Dip in New Zealand’s Wine Production
New Zealand’s leading wine trade organization reported a slight dip in production compared to the record highs of 2022, primarily due to adverse weather conditions affecting vineyards in the North Island.
New Zealand Winegrowers revealed earlier this week that the harvest saw a 6% decline, bringing in 501,000 tonnes of grapes. However, this figure marked a significant increase from the 2021 harvest, which only produced 370,000 tonnes.
Despite the challenging climate, the South Island reported an “excellent overall” 2023 vintage. Conversely, the North Island experienced a challenging season due to an unusual amount of rainfall and a cyclone that struck in February.
Nevertheless, the trade association assured that the 2023 vintage will suffice to meet the global demand for New Zealand wine. It pointed out that the overall value of the New Zealand wine export industry (year ending May 2023) has increased by 25% from 2022, reaching a total of $2.4 billion.
Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers, celebrated this achievement: “Setting yet another record in some of the most competitive international markets is a commendable feat for New Zealand wine exporters. It’s a clear testament to the growing global popularity of our wines.”
