2017 Wine Vintage Report
🏆 Was 2017 a Good Wine Vintage Year?
2017 was a highly variable vintage with significant differences region to region.
In the northern hemisphere, Europe had a very challenging year. Widespread frosts devastated vineyards and reduced yields. France, Italy, and Spain all had rougher years, though some smaller producing countries like Germany and Austria did okay. In the US, California battled wildfires and heatwaves but still produced great wines, as did the other major states.
In the southern hemisphere, South America faced dry and hot weather and even more fires, but did manage to produce good wine. It was an excellent year in Australia and South Africa; New Zealand got a bit waterlogged.
Harsh conditions marked both the New World and the Old World. The New World probably did a little better, but it wasn’t the easiest year for nearly anyone.
Let’s dig in to 2017.
📉 Global Wine Trends in 2017
🌍🍇 Global wine production in 2017 was 249 million hectoliters, down 7.8% from 2016 as devastating frosts and wildfires swept across Europe and America.
🌎🍷 Global wine consumption in 2017 was 246 million hectoliters, up 0.8% from 2016. The US drank the most wine (32.6 mhl), followed by France (27.0 mhl), Italy (22.6 mhl), Germany (20.2 mhl), China (17.9 mhl), the UK (12.7 mhl), and Spain (10.3 mhl).
🌐 The 2017 Vintage by Country
📍 The Big Four
France, Italy, Spain, and the US consistently dominate the modern global wine scene.
FRANCE produced just 36.4 million hectoliters of wine in 2017, marking the smallest harvest since 1945. Devastating April frosts swept over vineyards, significantly impacting the year’s production and dashing hopes for a stellar vintage.
- BORDEAUX was severely impacted, especially in Graves and St.-Emilion. However, unaffected areas like Médoc and Pomerol produced small amounts of elegant and balanced wines.
- SAUTERNES suffered from the frost but delivered good-quality wines.
- BURGUNDY faced challenges from the frost, yet managed to produce some good wines.
- BEAUJOLAIS was affected by the frost but still delivered quality results.
- CHAMPAGNE was unremarkable this year, with wines that failed to stand out.
- ALSACE struggled with the frost but produced good wines from what survived.
- THE LOIRE VALLEY fared well, delivering some of the best wines of the year.
- THE RHÔNE VALLEY also performed strongly, with some of the best results in 2017.
ITALY had an average, if challenging, year. Of course, it would be hard to beat 2015 and 2016 regardless! Terrible spring frosts led to a hot summer with a heatwave so bad it was nicknamed “Lucifer.” Drought conditions resulted in Italy’s harvest being one of its smallest in 60 years, at 41.1 million hectoliters. However, the grapes that were harvested (usually early this year) were generally of good (but not excellent) quality. These are lighter, softer, and (according to some sources) more cared-for grapes, so they should at least have an interesting touch.
SPAIN produced 32.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2017. It was a challenging year, marked by severe spring frosts that impacted regions like Galicia. A hot and dry summer reduced yields even further, though indigenous grapes and old vines pulled through the best. Weather was good for a steady and easy harvest, and while yields were low, the surviving fruit was nicely concentrated. Rioja overcame frost impact to produce especially rich, bold wines.
THE UNITED STATES produced 23.3 million hectoliters of wine in 2017.
CALIFORNIA had a challenging year, including extreme weather and devastating October wildfires. Heavy winter rains helped break a prolonged drought, which replenished the soil but also caused some floods. A scorching summer with multiple heatwaves accelerated ripening and stressed vines, which required emergency irrigation and early harvests in many areas. By the time those wildfires began, much of the harvest was complete, but smoke taint and logistical issues caused challenges for later-picking vineyards. Napa escaped direct fire damage and produced good wines overall, with many showing finesse and complexity despite the turmoil.
WASHINGTON STATE had a cool, wet spring, a hot summer, and a cool autumn, extending the harvest time. Washington was lucky enough to avoid most fire and smoke concerns. It was a good year for bright Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons, and most wines had higher acidity and lower sugar than usual.
OREGON had a wet spring and delayed growing season, followed by a dry, hot summer. Concerns with wildfires and smoke contamination marked the year, although Willamette Valley mostly avoided these concerns and produced fresh and floral Pinot Noirs.
NEW YORK STATE had a wetter-than-average growing season, but a warm and dry fall, resulting in good ripeness and high quality in the Finger Lakes region, especially for structured reds and expressive whites.
📍 Europe
The heart of the wine world, Europe boasts centuries of expertise and massive variety.
PORTUGAL produced 6.7 million hectoliters of wine in 2017–a standout vintage even after last year’s was standout too. Warmer and drier spring conditions and a scorching summer led to an early harvest, with grapes noted for intensity, concentration, and structure. As for Port, it was another great vintage declaration. Consecutive vintage declarations are rare in the Douro’s history, but this year is said to have dense, vibrant, and layered wines just as good as last year’s.
GERMANY produced 7.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2017. It was a challenging year, with severe April frosts and hail that drastically reduced yields. A hot and dry summer accelerated ripening, while late-summer rains added disease pressure. Despite these hurdles, the reduced crop resulted in highly concentrated grapes with vibrant acidity, though also with some underripeness here and there. Dry Rieslings were somewhat impacted by higher sugar content, but producers still crafted exceptional examples across the prädikat spectrum, including Auslese and botrytized wines like Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese. Spätburgunder did well in the warm conditions as well. There should be some good wines out of this vintage, if you select carefully.
AUSTRIA produced 2.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2017. It was a year of dramatic weather swings but ultimately also a year for high-quality wines. A frigid January transitioned into a warmer-than-average spring, leading to early flowering. April frosts cut some yields, but a hot, dry summer afterwards led to drought conditions producing concentrated, ripe grapes. September rains brought some relief, preserving acidity, and temperature fluctuations helped aromatics develop. It was an early harvest under good conditions. This should be a good year for ripe, fruity Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, and rich, velvety Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt. Some botrytis led to a good year for sweet wines as well.
Hungary produced 2.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2017.
Greece produced 2.6 million hectoliters of wine in 2017.
Georgia produced 1.0 million hectoliters of wine in 2017.
Romania produced 4.3 million hectoliters of wine in 2017.
Moldova produced 1.8 million hectoliters of wine in 2017.
Russia produced 5.8 million hectoliters of wine in 2017.
THE UNITED KINGDOM produced about 33,750 hectoliters of wine in 2017. Spring frosts caused damage in southeastern vineyards, impacting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir especially. Early flowering and hot June weather allowed for good ripeness levels, and despite challenges like spotted wing drosophila and moderate disease pressure, a dry autumn allowed for a smooth harvest. The wines you can find from this vintage are likely to be good quality.
📍 North & South America
The Americas continue to expand their influence, from the rugged Andes to Canada’s icy valleys.
ARGENTINA produced 11.8 million hectoliters of wine in 2017. This year marked a shift to drier La Nina conditions after years of wet growth seasons. Spring frosts and hail impacted yields, especially in Mendoza, with Malbec down as much as 60%. The Uco Valley’s Chardonnay yield was heavily impacted too. In the later part of the season, though, temperatures rose. Resulting wines were vibrant and concentrated, and highly terroir-driven. Despite the challenges, from a quality perspective, 2017 is likely to be a pretty good year.
CHILE produced just 9.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2017. Spring frosts and summer heatwaves put a damper on things, but catastrophic wildfires in regions like Maule, Itata, and Bío-Bío led to droughts and severely reduced yields. The extreme heat caused fast, concentrated ripening and a very early harvest, although smoke taint was a major concern. Despite the fires, the vintage was good for ripe, fruit-forward wines, with the heat making some reds feel almost “jammy.” Wines from this year should be approachable and flavorful.
Brazil produced 3.6 million hectoliters of wine in 2017.
URUGUAY had a rainy start in January, but got a lot drier and better in February. This allowed for better ripening, particularly for later-maturing reds like Tannat (the national grape), which saw good concentration and balance. White wines were less balanced, but still good overall.
📍 Oceania
Oceania’s unique climates and soils produce globally distinctive wines.
AUSTRALIA produced 13.7 million hectoliters of wine in 2017. It was an excellent year, marked by cool and wet conditions that encouraged a lot of growth and required a lot of careful management. Expect softer, more elegant wines from Australia this year, rather than robust powerful wines. There were standout varietals across the board, so it’s hard to go wrong, as long as you’re expecting something that’s more interesting and delicate on your palate.
NEW ZEALAND produced 2.9 million hectoliters of wine in 2017. It was a challenging year. Cool, wet weather and heavy April rains disrupted harvests and reduced yields. Marlborough’s prized Sauvignon Blanc was more restrained than usual. Hawke’s Bay produced good Chardonnay despite the weather. Central Otago was largely spared from the storms and delivered high-quality Pinot Noir.
📍 Africa & Asia
Emerging markets in Africa and Asia bring fresh perspectives to the industry.
SOUTH AFRICA produced 10.8 million hectoliters of wine in 2017–a higher-than-average yield. Despite an exceptionally dry growing season, vintners had a lot to be optimistic about. The drought conditions led to richly concentrated grapes, while moderate temperatures later in the season helped preserve elegance and ripeness. Older, deep-rooted vines fared best. 2017 was a standout year for the country (as I can personally attest to).
China produced 11.6 million hectoliters of wine in 2017.
Sources: OIV, Decanter, Bibendum, TWI, Wine Spectator, Vintage Wine & Port, Wine-Searcher, Washington Wines, Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, Jancis Robinson (2), K&L Wines, Napa Vintners, South America Wine Guide, Austrian Wine, English Wine.
🍷 Wines from 2017 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.