Producers across Germany’s winemaking regions faced a challenging 2024 and labor-intensive vintage, as highlighted by the German Wine Institute (DWI). Late frosts, heavy rainfall, and fluctuating weather conditions during the grape harvest required adaptability and dedication from German winegrowers.
Despite these challenges, their perseverance has yielded exceptional grape quality. Read on to learn about the obstacles winemakers encountered this harvest season and what can be expected from this year’s vintage.
A Vintage of Contrasts: Yield Variations Across Regions
Due to extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, yields varied significantly across German winemaking regions, influenced by factors such as grape variety and microclimate. From anticipated normal yields to complete losses, these variations presented challenges and often fell short of winemakers’ expectations for the 2024 harvest.
Expect Decline in Wine Must
According to DWI and the latest estimates from the German Winegrowers’ Association, a nationwide harvest volume of approximately 7.9 million hectolitres of wine must is anticipated. This marks a 10% decrease from the ten-year average of 8.8 million hectoliters and a 9% decline compared to the previous year. A similarly low yield of 7.5 million hectoliters was last recorded in 2017.
Eastern Winemaking Regions Hit Hardest
The regional differences in yield were largely due to late frosts in April, which severely damaged young vines that budded early. The eastern regions of Sachsen and Saale-Unstrut were particularly hard-hit, experiencing yield losses of 70-73% compared to the previous year. Wine producers in the Ahr region also faced significant weather-related losses, with reductions around 64%. Additionally, large hail storms in May further impacted yields in the Mosel region, where the harvest is expected to be the smallest in 50 years, at around 510,000 hectoliters.
The effects of the April frost were felt beyond the east, impacting slopes along the Rhine and the Nahe rivers, as well as larger areas of Franken and Württemberg. Here, harvest volume reductions range from 19% in Franken to 25% in Württemberg.
A Silver Lining in Larger Regions
The two largest German wine-growing regions, Rheinhessen and the Pfalz, have largely escaped the effects of frost. The Pfalz experienced a slight decline of 4% compared to the previous year, while Rheinhessen saw a modest increase of 7%.
Fresh and Mineral-Driven Wines Expected
Despite the challenging weather conditions this harvest season, the rainy year positively influenced vine development. With ample water supply, the vines effectively absorbed minerals from the soil, and concentrated wines with pronounced minerality can be expected. The extended ripening phase also enhanced the flavor profiles of the grapes.
As a result, the 2024 vintage is expected to yield fresh, vibrant wines with prominent fruit characteristics. With moderate alcohol levels, this year’s wines offer a lighter taste overall, perfectly aligning with current market preferences.
To learn more, read the German Wine Institute’s full press release.
