Unseasonable weather in 2023 has led to global wine production stumbling to a sobering six-decade low. It was easy for the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) to predict the loss, as vineyards across much of Europe and South America were pummeled by extreme weather conditions. Let’s uncover the wine consumption data provided by the OIV and find out which countries are sipping their way through the most wine!
10. Australia
Australia’s vibrant wine culture has struck a chord with avid millennial drinkers. In 2021 alone, the country savored 5.9 million hectoliters of wine, and the trajectory is only looking up. Last year’s wine consumption was 7.9 percent higher than the prior five-year average, reaching record-breaking consumption levels. As Aussie taste buds evolve, it’s no coincidence that beer consumption is currently at its lowest point in 80 years.
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9. Argentina
In 2021, Argentinians consumed 8.4 million hectoliters of wine, yet domestic consumption declined by 11.1 percent between 2020 and 2021 with an overall trend downward since the turn of the century. However, there’s a silver lining: producers such as Bemberg have successfully introduced Argentinian wine to international markets. Now, the popular Mendoza Malbec is a staple on supermarket shelves worldwide. Gone are the days when most of the country’s wine never left Argentina!
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8. Spain
In 2021, Spanish residents consumed 10.5 million hectoliters of wine. However, wine enthusiasts noted that despite wine being a cherished fixture at dinner tables across the country, consumption still decreased by 16 percent in 2020. This decline is likely attributed to the closure of bars and restaurants during the pandemic, where most drinking typically occurs.
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7. Russia
Russia’s wine consumption is more than double its production, with a total consumption of 10.5 million hectoliters. However, trade sanctions imposed as a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine are expected to affect future consumption numbers.
6. China
China is a leader in beer consumption, yet its taste for wine falls relatively low. In 2021, statistics revealed that China consumed 10.5 million hectoliters of wine. However, industry professionals highlight a concerning trend: wine consumption plummeted by 17.4 percent between 2019 and 2020, primarily due to the country’s rigid lockdown measures during the pandemic, followed by another decline of 15.4 percent in 2021.
5. United Kingdom
A survey disclosed that Brits typically lean towards sweet, “cheap and cheerful” drinks or opt for indulging in expensive champagne. UK residents set the bar high with a total wine consumption of 13.4 million hectoliters, and undoubtedly, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee played a significant role.
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4. Germany
While Germany maintains its position in the top 10 countries for beer consumption, the party doesn’t stop there. In 2021, Germany’s total wine consumption reached 19.8 million hectoliters. Locals love the bubbly stuff: sparkling wine accounted for 15 million bottles sold in 2021.
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3. Italy
Italians drank 24.2 million hectoliters of wine, and the numbers are climbing. As the world’s largest wine producer, Italy still produces double the amount of wine it consumes, graciously supplying the rest of us with Chianti and sparkling Prosecco.
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2. France
Second in per capita consumption and second in total consumption – Vive la France! French natives consumed 25.2 million hectoliters of wine, marking a slight decrease from an estimated 28.3 million hl in 2016. But fear not, this doesn’t mean that the love affair between France and wine will lose any of its intensity. any less intense.
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1. United States Of America
The United States leads the way with 33.1 million hectoliters of wine consumption with no signs of slowing down. To break it down, 33.1 million hl equals 4.4 billion standard 75 cl bottles. Not too shabby for a country that still has dry municipalities and a legal drinking age of 21. However, despite our numbers, our per capita consumption falls below the top ten. The good news? Wine production is predicted to increase this year. Cheers to that!
