Global wine production is expected to fall by 5% in 2016 because of “climatic events” causing steep drops in production in most of the southern hemisphere, particularly Chile and Argentina. Italy is expected to produce the most wine in 2016, followed by France, Spain, the US, Australia and China. France is likely to remain in the top three, despite a predicted 12% drop in production to 41.9mhl. South Africa is set to report a 19% fall, but the news is better for Australia and New Zealand, which are expected to increase production by 5% and 35% respectively. In the Italian region of Chianti, grapes have begun ripening too early, leading to possible future changes in wine varieties.

Source: The Guardian October 20, 2016 13:25 UTC