Argentina’s Wine Exports Surge 17.9% in January After Years of Decline

Argentina’s wine industry began 2026 with a notable shift in export trends, reversing several years of decline. According to the latest data from the National Institute of Viticulture, total wine exports increased by 17.9% in volume during January compared to the same month last year. The main driver behind this growth was bulk wine, which saw a 59.1% rise in shipments abroad. White bulk wines stood out, with an exceptional increase of 688% over January 2025.

Industry sources point to a mixed performance between varietal and generic wines. Juan Manuel Palomo, manager of the Argentine Chamber of Bulk Wines, explained that while unbottled varietals added only about 100,000 liters compared to last year, the real change came from table wines. For three years, monthly exports of these wines ranged between 360,000 and 450,000 liters. In January 2026, that figure jumped to more than 2 million liters, almost entirely due to demand for generic white wines.

This recovery is attributed to several factors. The sector had lost ground in international markets since 2022 because of high domestic costs. Now, a more stable economic environment and a more competitive exchange rate have helped Argentina regain its position as a key supplier in the bulk wine market. Large inventories also pushed prices down, making Argentine wine more attractive abroad.

Bulk wines are sold at low unit values—averaging about $0.30 per liter—but they play an important role in balancing stock levels and preventing domestic prices from falling further. International buyers responded quickly to these new conditions. Countries such as Germany, Spain and the Czech Republic resumed purchases of non-designated white wines for use in their own brands or blends.

Industry leaders see this rebound as an important first step after a difficult 2025, when exports fell by more than 14%. The challenge for the rest of the year will be to maintain Argentina’s reputation as a reliable supplier and avoid price swings that previously led to lost markets.

The grape must sector also reported positive results at the start of the year, with exports up by 37.5%. Martín Materia, president of the Argentine Chamber of Must Manufacturers and Exporters, cautioned that this increase was likely due to temporary factors such as lower tariffs on grapes compared to apples in the United States and one-off inventory restocking by importers. Annual projections for must exports remain similar to last year’s levels and still below the average of previous years, pending developments in northern hemisphere harvests expected in September.

The Argentine wine industry is watching closely how these early gains will translate into sustained growth throughout 2026 as it seeks to consolidate its renewed competitiveness on the global stage.