German Wine Production Declines 10% in 2024 Due to Extreme Weather

Smaller regions faced steep losses, while larger regions like Rheinhessen and Pfalz maintained stable output despite challenges from climate change.

Germany's 2024 wine production totaled 7.75 million hectoliters, a 10% drop from 2023 and 12% below the six-year average.
Extreme weather, including heavy rainfall, late frosts, hail, and storms, significantly reduced yields and promoted fungal diseases like downy mildew.
Smaller wine regions such as Sachsen, Saale-Unstrut, and Ahr saw production declines of 69%, 64%, and 55% respectively, while Rheinhessen and Pfalz remained stable.
The quality of wine also declined, with only 16.1% qualifying as Prädikatswein, compared to 23.7% in 2023.
Winemakers are exploring adaptive strategies, including new grape varieties and cultivation techniques, to address the ongoing challenges of climate change.