Global wine grape production down

Black rot on grape cluster

Even though U.S. wine production is at an all-time high, all reports from around New York State tell us that, while this year's grape harvest should be one of great quality, it will not be one of great quantity.

Blame it on erratic weather, particularly the long drought in the western part of the state. And, we are not alone. The International Organization of Vine and Wine is projecting global wine production at least 5% below last year's harvest.

For example, French growers are expecting a four-year low, down about 12% from last year. Perhaps the hardest-hit wine regions are in Argentina where rot and fungal outbreaks attributed to El Niño weather patterns abound.

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