2022 Wine Vintage Report

🏆 Was 2022 a Good Wine Vintage Year?

2022 was a year of mixed success, but there were definitely some highlights.

In the northern hemisphere, Europe had a hot and dry year, but it led to concentrated, powerful wines across France, Italy, and Spain. In the US, California faced heatwaves with mixed outcomes, but other states did quite well.

In the southern hemisphere, South America overcame some cooler-than-average weather for Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay to deliver elegant, concentrated wine. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa also had good years despite various weather issues.

This year was a good year for structured, refined Old World wines, and a good year for bold, ripe, fresh New World wines.

Let’s dig in to 2022.

📈 Global Wine Trends in 2022

🌍🍇 Global wine production in 2022 was 250 million hectoliters, up 4.2% from 2021.

🌎🍷 Global wine consumption in 2022 was 227 million hectoliters, down 3.0% from 2021.

🌐 The 2022 Vintage by Country

📍 The Big Four

France, Italy, Spain, and the US consistently dominate the modern global wine scene.

FRANCE produced 46.0 million hectoliters of wine in 2022. A frost-free spring and excellent flowering set the stage for a strong crop after years of challenges. Extreme heatwaves and historically low rainfall created drought stress in many vineyards, but cool nights and strategic vineyard management preserved acidity and freshness. Localized hail and wildfires posed some threats but did not result in widespread smoke taint. The resulting wines exhibit remarkable balance in ripeness, structure, and acidity.

• BORDEAUX experienced a challenging growing season, with drought, hail, and heatwaves. Older vines thrived, producing exceptional reds with concentration, balance, and ripe tannins, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.
• BURGUNDY saw timely summer rains that supported vine health during the heat, resulting in rich, ripe, and well-balanced wines, though yields were smaller than expected.
• BEAUJOLAIS wines are fresher this year, with notable vibrancy and balance.
• CHAMPAGNE benefited from a dry, sunny season, producing beautifully mature grapes with slightly lower acidity but excellent balance.
• ALSACE overcame challenges to produce potentially incredible wines, showcasing the region’s resilience.
• THE LOIRE VALLEY delivered excellent results, particularly for Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, despite some early-season challenges.
• THE RHÔNE VALLEY had mixed outcomes. Whites showed more promise than reds, particularly in the north, where well-timed rainfall supported ripeness and freshness.
• LANGUEDOC and PROVENCE saw reduced yields due to drought, but quality was amplified, with Mediterranean varieties like Grenache and Cinsault excelling.

ITALY produced 49.8 million hectoliters of wine in 2022, in what some have nicknamed “the vintage beyond expectations.” It was a mild, dry winter that led into a warm, dry year. A hot summer and late-August rains led to an early harvest, with conditions varying across the country.

In the north, it was a standout year for fresh, concentrated, fruity whites, as well as Nebbiolos. In central Italy, it was a good year for high-altitude or forest-adjacent vineyards. In the south, and on the islands, where they’re already more accustomed to the heat, it was a good year for especially-fruity reds.

SPAIN produced 36.0 million hectoliters of wine in 2022. The year was extremely hot and extremely dry, with temperatures in some areas reaching nearly 150° F! Scarce rainfall only amplified the stress on the vines, with some shutting down completely. The light and early harvest, despite the struggles, is expected to produce very powerful wines, including rich reds and aromatic whites.

THE UNITED STATES produced 22.4 million hectoliters of wine in 2022. The year was marked by sudden extreme weather incidents that changed the character of the wine produced across the country.

• CALIFORNIA had ideal conditions… at first. A dry winter, good spring, and intense summer all led vintners to believe this year’s harvest would be great. But on Labor Day weekend in early September, the heatwaves rolled in, with multiple days over 105° F. The regular approaches to harvesting were thrown out the window, and vintners needed to be extremely strategic with how to get the best out of the grapes in these conditions. Some wines produced this year were excellent–others, not so much–so 2022 may be hit-or-miss depending on the specific California vineyard. Lodi also saw yields decrease due to frost damage.
• WASHINGTON STATE had a cool, wet spring with a freak blizzard, a short hot summer, and an ideal harvest season in the fall. Finishing weather was ideal, and it looks like it will be an especially great year for white varieties.
• OREGON had a cold wet spring and a rare April frost. However, a warm summer and a dry October led to excellent fruit ripening, leading to mixed yields but high-quality, vibrant wines–a “classic Oregon vintage.”
• NEW YORK STATE had a challenging weather year, with a mild winter and short growing season, followed by late-season rains. Despite a lower yield in the Finger Lakes region, the grapes turned out excellent, and it should be an exceptional year for Rieslings and Cabernet Francs–if you can find any.

📍 Europe

The heart of the wine world, Europe boasts centuries of expertise and massive variety.

PORTUGAL produced 6.8 million hectoliters of wine in 2022. It was a challenging year, with record-breaking heat and dry conditions stressing grapes and winemakers alike. The fruit from this year was small and highly concentrated, and September rains helped ease the pain a little bit. Wines this year are expected to be deep and fresh.

GERMANY produced 8.9 million hectoliters of wine in 2022. It was an exceptionally hot and dry growing season, with record-breaking low rainfall. When rain finally broke in August and September, the vines exploded with sudden life, which resulted in a wide variety of interesting, dry wines–especially Pinots. While the whites may lack some sharp acidity that they’re usually known for in cooler years, they’re fresh and fruity. Reds overall are expected to be excellent.

AUSTRIA produced 2.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2022. A mild, dry winter transitioned into a late budding season, avoiding frost damage. Early flowering arrived with the warmth, but the rains that accompanied it came with extra risk of fungus and disease. It was a hot and dry summer, stressing younger vines and those planted in lower-quality soil. August rains provided some relief, though rapid harvesting was required to preserve grape quality. The wines produced this year are ripe, balanced, and structured–including whites like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, and reds like Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt. It was a favorable year for sweet wines, too, including Eiswein.

 Switzerland produced 1.0 million hectoliter of wine in 2022.

Hungary produced 2.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 Greece produced 2.1 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 Czechia produced 0.6 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 Slovakia produced 0.3 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 Slovenia produced 0.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 Croatia produced 0.6 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 Georgia produced 1.9 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 Romania produced 3.8 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 Moldova produced 1.4 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 Russia produced 5.0 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 Bulgaria produced 0.8 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 Luxembourg produced 0.1 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 Cyprus produced 0.1 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

 THE UNITED KINGDOM produced about 91,500 hectoliters of wine in 2022. This was the UK’s second-highest yield so far, coming just a few thousand hectoliters short of the miraculous 2018 vintage (though I do see some conflicting sources saying this year may have slightly surpassed it). A hot, dry growing season followed into a cool and rainy harvest period. These conditions led to clean fruit with high sugar levels and low acidity, which favored still wines, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The sparkling wine sector saw its first-ever need for acidity adjustments this year. Although the quality didn’t quite reach 2018’s level, it’s still likely to be exceptional.

📍 North & South America

The Americas continue to expand their influence, from the rugged Andes to Canada’s icy valleys.

ARGENTINA produced 11.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2022. Climate issues marked the year. October frosts reduced yields across Mendoza and other regions, but the season was mostly cool and dry. Mid-summer rains in February complicated the white grape harvest and led to extra rot pressure. Red varieties benefited from these conditions, however, leading to concentrated wines with great acidity and balance. Late-season frost in March impacted some producers, but many had already harvested.

CHILE produced 12.4 million hectoliters of wine in 2022, a slight drop from their largest harvest ever last year. A cold, dry winter and cool spring led to slow vine growth, especially with frost damage in some regions. White varieties were more impacted than reds. April rains and a late burst of warmth helped improve the mood, enabling an early harvest. Despite some drought conditions, coastal regions like Limarí put out vibrant wines, and in the Andes, Maipo put out excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. It should be a good year for wine overall.

 Brazil produced 3.2 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

URUGUAY produced 0.8 million hectoliters of wine in 2022. A cool, wet summer provided some challenges, but it also delivered some fresh and nuanced wines. Coastal region whites like Albariño and Chardonnay excelled, along with Pinot Noir and a more mineral-driven Tannat (the national grape). Reds in general were lighter-bodied, with a more aromatic, elegant style this year.

📍 Oceania

Oceania’s unique climates and soils produce globally distinctive wines.

AUSTRALIA produced 13.1 million hectoliters of wine in 2022, slightly down from last year. High tariffs on exports to China, labor shortages, and climate conditions were all top of mind. However, quality remained high across most regions. South Australia had a cool, dry growing season that produced vibrant, structured wines. Margaret River in Western Australia reported ideal conditions for good whites and plush reds. Heavy rains in Tasmania and Queensland increased the pressure of rot and disease. But the cooler temps allowed for a more gracious development of sugars and aromatics, so many 2022 Australian wines are on the more delicate and elegant side.

NEW ZEALAND produced 3.8 million hectoliters of wine in 2022, a return to normal levels. Good weather and no frost in Marlborough led to solid harvests, although rains in February led to some berry enlargement and botrytis pressure. If you were looking to try a white like Chardonnay or Pinot Gris instead of their usual Sauvignon Blanc, this may be the year for it.

📍 Africa & Asia

Emerging markets in Africa and Asia bring fresh perspectives to the industry.

SOUTH AFRICA produced 10.3 million hectoliters of wine in 2022. It was smaller than expected, but has a lot of promise. Winter was cold and wet, and a cool summer delayed budburst but preserved amazing acidity levels and aromatics. A late-season heat spike accelerated ripening, which was followed by a moderate, steady harvest. A good year for Cabernet Sauvignon.

China produced 4.7 million hectoliters of wine in 2022.

Sources: OIV, Wine News, Montemaggio, Ethica, Alliance Wines, Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, Washington Wine, Oregon Wine, Skurnik, Wine-Searcher, Wine Society, Jancis Robinson (2), Napa Vintners, South America Wine Guide, Austrian Wine, English Wine.

🍷 Wines from 2022 I’ve Tried

See all Vintages (Years) of Wine, or jump straight to: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, or 2024. See also: No Vintage.