Germany is set to record its smallest wine vintage since 2010, with the nationwide grape must harvest estimated at just 7.3 million hectolitres. This marks a 7% decline compared to last year and a 16% drop against the 10-year average of 8.7 million hectolitres. The sharp reduction is largely due to poor yields in the major wine-producing regions of Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Baden and Württemberg, where factors such as smaller grape berries, low must yields and heavy rainfall in mid-September led to significant losses. Rheinhessen alone saw a 23% drop from the 10-year average, while similar declines were reported in Pfalz, Baden and Württemberg.
Other regions, including Nahe, Rheingau and Hessische Bergstraße, also experienced double-digit percentage decreases. However, areas that had previously suffered from late frosts, such as Sachsen, Saale-Unstrut, the Ahr, Mosel and Franken, reported much improved yields this year, with some even exceeding their long-term averages.
Despite the lower volumes, wine quality across all 13 regions is expected to be exceptionally high. The grapes, though smaller, were highly ripe and aromatic, promising particularly concentrated and fruity wines, according to the German Wine Institute.
