According to a report released by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), world wine production dropped by approximately six percent to 251 million hectolitres (Mhl) in 2012.
Less than desirable weather conditions in Europe saw the continent’s wine production fall by 10 percent to 141 Mhl, and wine production in France alone dropped by almost 17 percent.
In contrast, Chile and the US fared quite well, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.
Federica Castellucci, director general, OIV said despite poor production levels, wine exports were in most cases largely unaffected.
"We had a difficult year 2012, mainly because of a sharp drop in production, but trade flows mostly held stable.”
In France wine exports rose by six percent to 15 Mhl, meanwhile Italy’s exports fell by seven percent to 21.5 Mhl and Spain’s dropped to 13 percent to 19.1 Mhl.
Chile’s wine production output reached record numbers in 2012, and its exports increased by 13 percent to 7.5 Mhl.
South Africa’s exports rose by 17 percent to 4.2 Mhl, which is in large part thanks to the British, as exports to the nation increased by 50 percent.