Italy tops global production

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) released its first estimates for global wine production in 2025, projecting a total output between 228 and 235 million hectoliters. The mid-range estimate stands at 232 million hectoliters, which is a 3% increase compared to the historically low harvest of 2024. However, this figure remains 7% below the average production of the past five years.

Within the European Union, wine production for 2025 is provisionally set at around 140 million hectoliters. This represents a moderate increase of 2.1 million hectoliters, or about 2%, over last year’s figures. Despite this improvement, EU wine output is still 8% lower than the five-year average. If these numbers are confirmed, 2025 will be the second-lowest year for EU wine production since the start of the century. The EU continues to produce about 60% of the world’s wine, a proportion that has remained stable over the last decade.

Italy has regained its position as the world’s largest wine producer in 2025, with an estimated output of 47.4 million hectoliters. This marks an increase of 3.3 million hectoliters, or 8%, compared to 2024. The rise follows two years of unusually low production in both 2023 and 2024. The current estimate puts Italy’s wine production about 2% above its five-year average.

The recovery in Italy is largely attributed to favorable weather conditions throughout the growing season. A mild spring and balanced rainfall provided good conditions for vine growth, while summer temperatures remained moderate and did not reach extremes that could harm grape development.

Production increases were not uniform across Italy. Southern regions saw the most significant growth, with output rising by 19%. Northern regions experienced moderate increases, while central Italy recorded a slight decline of about 3%. The decrease in central Italy was mainly due to lower yields in Tuscany, a region known for its high-quality wines.

The OIV’s early estimates provide an important snapshot for producers, exporters, and consumers as they plan for the coming year. While there are signs of recovery from recent lows, overall global and European production remains below historical averages. Weather patterns continue to play a critical role in shaping annual outcomes for the wine industry, especially in countries like Italy where regional differences can have a significant impact on national totals.

The OIV will release updated figures later in the year as more data becomes available from member countries and as harvests are completed across both hemispheres. For now, Italian producers are cautiously optimistic that improved weather and better yields will help stabilize both domestic markets and exports after two challenging years.