Germany’s Wine Production Drops to Lowest Level Since 2017 After Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Harvest

Germany’s wine production fell to its lowest level since 2017 last year, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office on Monday. The country produced 7.55 million hectoliters of wine in 2025, marking a 2.6% decrease from the previous year. When compared to the average annual production between 2019 and 2024, this figure represents a 10% decline.

The drop in output is largely attributed to heavy rainfall in September, which disrupted the grape harvest across Germany’s main wine-growing regions. The rain increased the risk of grape rot and forced winemakers to shorten their harvest period. This situation was especially challenging for producers in Rheinhessen and the Palatinate, Germany’s two largest wine regions, which together account for 48.1% of national wine production.

Ernst Büscher, spokesman for the German Wine Institute, noted that the last time Germany saw such a small harvest was in 2017, when production also hovered around 7.5 million hectoliters. He explained that the weather made grapes more vulnerable to disease and reduced the overall yield.

Germany has a long tradition of viticulture, with 13 officially recognized wine-growing regions mainly located in the southwest of the country. However, recent years have brought more unpredictable weather patterns, making it harder for winemakers to plan and protect their crops.

In addition to lower yields, the total area under vine cultivation in Germany decreased by 1.1%, or about 1,100 hectares. Despite these challenges, white wines continued to dominate production in 2025, making up 69.6% of the total output. High-quality Prädikat wines accounted for 29.3% of all wines produced.

The ongoing variability in weather conditions has raised concerns among German winemakers about future harvests and the stability of their industry. Many are now looking at new strategies to adapt to changing climate patterns and protect their vineyards from further losses.