Czech winemakers are facing a challenging year, with estimates confirming a loss of about 30% of the domestic grape harvest. Despite this setback, most producers are reluctant to increase prices, caught between rising costs and fierce competition from cheaper imported wines.
The wine industry is grappling with multiple issues. Spring frost reduced the number of flowers, while a damp June brought fungal diseases, further damaging the crop. Jiří Maděrič, Vice-Chairman of the Wine Association, reports that in some areas, the decline could be even more severe.
Adding to the winemakers’ woes is a decrease in domestic wine consumption, which fell by 8.4% last year to just under 20 liters per person. This decline and cheaper foreign competition have left many producers with surplus stock from previous seasons.
The Czech Republic is only about 30% self-sufficient in wine production, with most wines being imported from countries like Hungary, Italy, and Spain. Hungarian white wines, in particular, are entering the market at significantly lower prices, averaging around 19 crowns per liter.
Despite these challenges, there’s a silver lining. While the quantity may be down, the quality of this year’s harvest is reportedly excellent. Maděrič praises the current crop, stating that the ripeness is unprecedented for this time of year.