Organic winemaking gains ground with almost half a million hectares globally converted

The number of vineyards switching to organic production has increased “considerably” according to the OIV since the start of the century, albeit from a small base. 

The report reveals that there are 63 countries across the globe which have adopted organic viticulture, with the total organic vineyard area estimated at 454,000 hectares, accounting for just over 6% of the world’s total area under vines.  

This represents an annual 13% increase between 2005 – 2019, while non organic vineyards decreased in area by 0.4% each year over the same time frame.   Organic vineyards saw the greatest growth between 2005 and 2011 when areas grew by an average of 18% every year, only to slow down between 2011 and 2014 to an average annual rate of 4%. Since 2014, the growth has increased to an average of 8% every year.

The OIV said that the growth can be largely attributed to societal issues, particularlty those related to health and environmental protection.   Spain, France and Italy between them account for three quarters of the world’s organic vineyards, while the top 10 countries account for the lion’s share – 91% - of the world’s total.   These are followed by the US (4%), Turkey (3%), and China, also on 3%. Germany (2%), Austria (1%) Greece (1%) and the only country from South America, Argentina, on (1%) making up the top ten.  

Italy has the highest proportion of organic vineyards, with 15% of the country's total, followed by France with 14% and Austria also on 14%. The only non-European country that makes the top ten is Mexcio, where 8% of vineyards are certified organic.

Those countries showing the highest growth rate to organic are Egypt (+36%/year), South Africa (+30%/year), Switzerland (+15%/year), France (+11%/year) and Turkey (+10%/year.