2023 NZ vintage down, but wine exports up 25%

Strong export value and increasing international demand will help support further export growth over the next 12 months, despite a challenging season and a smaller harvest than last year, says New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW). 

It reports that nationally, harvest was down 6% on the record level 2022 vintage, with 501,000 tonnes of grapes harvested this year. Meanwhile, the total value of the New Zealand wine industry exports (year to May 2023) was $2.4 billion, up 25% on 2022.

“Reaching another new record level of wine exports into some of the world’s largest and most competitive markets is an outstanding achievement for New Zealand wine exporters, and testifies to the increasingly strong global demand for our wines,” says Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.

New Zealand wine is exported to more than 100 countries and is New Zealand’s fifth largest export good. In 2022, New Zealand was the world’s sixth largest wine exporter by value, despite producing only 1% of the world’s wine.

“New Zealand wine, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, is going from strength to strength in the USA, as consumers appreciate the distinctive flavours, commitment to quality, and know it is a unique product that they can trust,” adds Gregan. 

NZ Winegrowers says that in the South Island the 2023 vintage was excellent overall, and well received by growers, who enjoyed better growing conditions in which to complete harvest. On the other hand, unprecedented wet weather made the season tough for regions in the North Island. However, despite these challenges, producers were largely very happy with the quality of the 2023 harvest.

NZ Winegrowers says that the success of the 2023 vintage further emphasises the resilience of the industry, as surging production costs continue to impact growers and wineries, and the scarcity of skilled workers remains a concern, along with operating in an uncertain economic environment.