2016 Wine Vintage Report
🏆 Was 2016 a Good Wine Vintage Year?
Yes, 2016 was a strong year for great wines.
In the northern hemisphere, Europe had a standout year. France, Italy, and Spain all saw excellent wines, despite some frost and hail here and there. It was a good year for Portugal, Germany, Austria, and others, too. The US enjoyed a steady year and a great harvest.
In the southern hemisphere, South America had a tougher year. El Niño disrupted harvests across Argentina and Chile. Australia and New Zealand both had great years, though, and South Africa produced some good wines despite some inconsistencies.
The Old World really pulled through this year with such great vintages across Europe. The New World still delivered, though, except for South America as much.
There’s lots to enjoy in 2016. Let’s dig in.
📉 Global Wine Trends in 2016
🌍🍇 Global wine production in 2016 was 270 million hectoliters, down 1.8% from 2015.
🌎🍷 Global wine consumption in 2016 was 244 million hectoliters, up 1.2% from 2015. The US was responsible for the highest percentage of that (31.8 mhl), followed by France (27.0 mhl), Italy (22.5 mhl), Germany (20.2 mhl), China (17.3 mhl), and the UK (12.9 mhl). Per capita, however, Portugal is actually at the top, with the average Portuguese citizen consuming 54 liters annually, compared to just 11.9 liters per person in the US.
🌐 The 2016 Vintage by Country
📍 The Big Four
France, Italy, Spain, and the US consistently dominate the modern global wine scene.
FRANCE produced 45.2 million hectoliters of wine in 2016, perfectly in line with its average amount.
- BORDEAUX had a wet spring followed by a hot, dry summer, producing excellent and potentially legendary wines with higher yield volumes than previous years.
- SAUTERNES was very good, producing strong results in 2016.
- BURGUNDY faced frost and hail that significantly reduced yields, but the resulting wines were vibrant and balanced.
- BEAUJOLAIS performed very well, delivering wines of notable quality.
- CHAMPAGNE suffered more this year, with less favorable results.
- ALSACE had a very good year, maintaining its high standards.
- THE LOIRE VALLEY struggled more this year, with less favorable outcomes.
- THE NORTH RHÔNE VALLEY had a delayed start but followed through with refined wines.
- THE SOUTH RHÔNE VALLEY experienced near-perfect conditions, rivaling the excellent vintage of 2010.
ITALY had another excellent year, remaining the top wine producing country in the world for the second year. It produced 50.9 million hectoliters, up 2% even from its larger-than-average 2015 harvest. A dry and warm long growing season led to excellent grapes with a classic quality. While 2015 was more fruity and bold, 2016 generally came with more balance. Highlights include Barolo and Barbaresco grapes, and Piedmont and Tuscany regions. It’s hard to go wrong with a 2016 Italian, especially now with some aging.
SPAIN produced 39.7 million hectoliters of wine in 2016. The year had a slow start with a wet spring, but a dry summer and favorable late-season weather helped make the vintage better. Although some regions faced extreme heat, September rains balanced conditions, and vintners who waited for later October harvests saw especially excellent results. Rioja and Ribera del Duero saw great years, while Cava was a little more inconsistent. Overall, a good year for reds.
THE UNITED STATES produced 23.7 million hectoliters of wine in 2016.
CALIFORNIA had a very good growing season. A warm spring and early summer were followed by cooler temps in August, allowing for a steady, balanced ripening process. Napa and Sonoma benefited from their signature marine fog, which preserved freshness in both reds and whites. However, the drought remained a challenge for other varieties, like Zinfandel. This year produced vibrant, approachable, and balanced wines, and standouts include Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, Bordeaux blends from Sonoma, and Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley.
WASHINGTON STATE had an early, warm start, but unlike the last three years, the weather broke and turned cool, resulting in an extended growing season and record-breaking yields. Cabernet Sauvignon performed particularly well this year, as the cool midsummer slowed ripening and preserved freshness and balance. A very good year for Washington wines.
OREGON had a relaxed and successful harvest, with a warm, steady growing season and few issues with weather. 2016 is likely to provide more refined grapes than 2014 and 2015; expect elegance, bright flavors, and lifting aromatics.
NEW YORK STATE had a mix of challenges and success. A cool start delayed growth, but a dry and warm summer helped vineyards catch up. Long Island saw healthy yields and balanced fruit, though September rains may have lowered the quality just a bit. Persistent drought conditions in the Finger Lakes led to some stresses, but also helped produce promising Riesling and interesting reds.
📍 Europe
The heart of the wine world, Europe boasts centuries of expertise and massive variety.
PORTUGAL produced 6.0 million hectoliters of wine in 2016. It was a landmark year for quality and balance, one of their most legendary years in recent memory. A challenging spring with cold and wet conditions reduced yields, but set the stage for a summer of steady warmth. Rain in August and September helped hydrate the vines, allowing grapes to ripen fully while retaining acidity. The resulting wines from regions like the Douro, Dão, and Alentejo are elegant and structured, with remarkable aging potential. All major houses declared a vintage for Port this year–the first unanimous declaration since 2011. This year’s Ports will have incredible depth, complexity, and balance, and are set to age for decades.
GERMANY produced 9.0 million hectoliters of wine in 2016. It was a wet spring, with heavy rainfall and hail bringing disease pressure, especially in regions like the Mosel and Nahe. Downy mildew was a persistent threat. Luckily, the weather turned warm and steady by mid-July, and August and September brought heat that helped ripen the grapes considerably. A cool, dry autumn allowed for a relaxed harvest. The resulting wines were elegant, pure, and precise, especially among the dry styles–some of the best in recent years. Sweet wines were less prominent due to a lack of botrytis, though excellent Eiswein was produced. This was a solid vintage for Germany.
AUSTRIA produced 2.0 million hectoliters of wine in 2016. It was a challenging growing season but a surprisingly excellent year, marked by delicate fruit and great acidity. A warm, dry winter and early spring led to severe April frosts, reducing yields in regions like Burgenland and Steiermark. It was a wet and unpredictable summer with high mildew pressure. A dry and sunny September provided more ideal conditions for ripening, and the resulting wines were lower in alcohol but elegant and fruit-driven. A great year for Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, while reds provided many different styles, though Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt stood out in particular. This vintage also saw an impressive harvest of Eisweins thanks to chill nights in December and January. This year offers a lot of great variety.
Hungary produced 2.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2016.
Greece produced 2.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2016.
Georgia produced 1.2 million hectoliters of wine in 2016.
Romania produced 3.3 million hectoliters of wine in 2016.
Moldova produced 1.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2016.
Russia produced 5.2 million hectoliters of wine in 2016.
THE UNITED KINGDOM produced about 31,125 hectoliters of wine in 2016. A challenging growing season was marked by spring frosts, wet early summer weather, and disease pressures like downy mildew. However, the quality of the grapes that survived was excellent, with record ripeness levels achieved in eastern England and other areas. A dry, warm autumn allowed for a smooth harvest, resulting in wines with high sugar and acidity levels, ideal for sparkling wines.
📍 North & South America
The Americas continue to expand their influence, from the rugged Andes to Canada’s icy valleys.
ARGENTINA produced 9.4 million hectoliters of wine in 2016. It was a challenging El Niño year, coming with cool temps and heavy rains, particularly in Mendoza. Hail and rot further reduced yields, with some parts of East Mendoza losing nearly half their crops. Premium areas like the Uco Valley fared a little better due to free-draining soils. Their wines were lighter and lower in alcohol than usual–a profile less common for the region. Patagonia and northern Argentina were less affected by extreme weather and produced more vibrant wines this year.
CHILE produced 10.1 million hectoliters of wine in 2016. It was a tricky year due to El Niño, including heavy April rains that disrupted the harvest and drastically reduced yields in some areas. Early-ripening varieties and white wines fared better, since much of their fruit was harvested before the rain began, leading to fresh, aromatic profiles with great acidity and lower alcohol levels. Later-ripening reds, especially in regions like Maipo, Rapel, and Colchagua, were more adversely affected. Coastal regions like Casablanca also struggled with humidity and fungus. Overall–a better year for white wines.
Brazil produced 1.3 million hectoliters of wine in 2016.
URUGUAY had a very good year. A dry summer let grapes ripen well, and the wine produced was fruit-forward and highly-concentrated.
📍 Oceania
Oceania’s unique climates and soils produce globally distinctive wines.
AUSTRALIA produced 13.1 million hectoliters of wine in 2016. It was an excellent year (with great aging potential) despite varied conditions across the country. A wet winter in some parts (like NSW) contrasted with drier conditions in others (like Barossa Valley). A moderate summer, with localized heat spikes, drought, and rainfall, led to a complicated year but good wines overall. Highlights include Barossa Shiraz and Clare Valley Riesling.
NEW ZEALAND produced 3.1 million hectoliters of wine in 2016. It was an excellent year, with high quantity and high quality. Marlborough delivered classic Sauvignon Blanc, while Martinborough produced ideal fruit-forward reds. Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay also put out amazing reds this year. It was a good year for just about everything.
📍 Africa & Asia
Emerging markets in Africa and Asia bring fresh perspectives to the industry.
SOUTH AFRICA produced 10.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2016. It was a year of extreme heat and drought, which impacted yields in Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Swartland. Dry-farmed areas struggled, and some regions faced wildfires, too. Grapes were concentrated and ripe, though sometimes with inconsistent acidity. Despite these challenges, early harvesting helped produce some good wines, though perhaps not the best for aging.
China produced 11.4 million hectoliters of wine in 2016.
Sources: OIV, IWFS, TWI, Wine-Searcher, Rare Wine Invest, Washington Wines, Vintage Wine & Port, Wine Spectator, Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, Jancis Robinson (2), K&L Wines, Napa Vintners, South America Wine Guide, Austrian Wine, English Wine.
🍷 Wines from 2016 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.