Spring frosts have significantly impacted this year’s grape harvest in the Czech Republic, though the final numbers proved less dire than initial forecasts. While the Wine Growers Association initially predicted damage to up to 30% of vines in September, the actual harvest came in just 12% lower than last year, though still nearly a fifth below the ten-year average.
Martin Chlad, president of the association, reports yields of 4.5 tons per hectare, marking an 18% decrease compared to the ten-year average of 5.5 tons. Interestingly, blue grape varieties are declining, despite showing exceptional growth in select locations due to climate change.
The impact varies significantly by region, with some wineries in Bohemia recording no harvest at all this year. Their survival now depends on existing wine reserves from previous seasons. The industry faces additional challenges as wine consumption declines, particularly among younger generations across the EU. The situation has been further complicated by the January removal of tax deductibility for still wine as corporate gifts.
Looking at the broader picture, the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) predicts global wine production will hit its lowest level since 1961, with an estimated output between 227 and 235 million hectoliters – roughly 2% below last year’s figures. The Czech Republic remains only 30% self-sufficient in wine production, relying heavily on imports from Hungary, Italy, and Spain.