Favourable weather conditions despite storm damages
"Following a climatically turbulent and challenging season that included severe weather events, we expect a slightly smaller volume of wine compared to last year, estimated at around 2.3m hectoliters. However, we anticipate the wine quality to be very high. The alternating periods of rainfall and heat during this year’s growing season have laid the perfect foundation for it," says Johannes Schmuckenschlager, President of the Austrian Winegrowers Association.
The fluctuating weather conditions appear to be beneficial for wine quality. There was hardly any damage from late frosts, and the flowering phase went well for the most part. Despite periods of summer heat, drought wasn't a significant issue as the soil was well-hydrated due to preceding rainfall. Hopefully, the weather will be dry in the coming weeks. In Styria, which has been plagued by storms, a small but high-quality vintage is expected.
Popularity rising domestically and internationally
In recent years, Austrian wines have set new export records. A recent survey also shows that these wines are gaining popularity domestically. According to the survey, 75% of respondents drink domestic wines, and 69% believe that wine culture is integral to Austrian identity. When it comes to making purchasing decisions, 44% consider the vineyard and winemaker to be the most important criteria. According to Austrian Wine, the survey analysis revealed that wine is particularly popular among women and the under 30s, and its popularity is on the rise.
Things appear optimistic for the Austrian wine sector, both in terms of quality and demand. Despite facing challenges such as severe weather events and high production costs, the industry is showing resilience and an upward trajectory in both domestic and international markets.
