he effects of the frosts of March 20 and April 10, on the one hand, and the drought caused by the lack of rainfall this year, on the other, are the main reasons for the reduced harvest being confirmed in the major vine-growing regions now in the midst of the grape harvest.

With the exception of the vineyard districts of Macedonia — for early varieties and Xinomavro, which so far show high standards and yields (the harvest of Xinomavro will begin from mid-September onwards) — and the vineyard district of Epirus, where grape production also remains at high standards, the picture of vineyards from Thessaly and further south, though uneven, appears problematic in terms of the expected quantities to be collected.

In Thessaly, and especially in Tyrnavos, production is expected to be slightly higher compared to last year’s disastrous season, despite the fact that the area was affected by the frost of last spring. Production, however, still remains below the region’s potential, even for its main variety, Muscat of Tyrnavos.

In the vineyard areas of Boeotia, Attica, and Euboea, the impact of spring frosts is evident, as they rendered an average of 55% to 60% of the vineyards unproductive, discouraging growers from continuing cultivation. Over the years, abandoned vineyard plots have been increasing, with little interest from new growers to take them over.

The same causes and picture as in the aforementioned areas are also evident in the dynamic zone of Nemea, where the average yield of Agiorgitiko per stremma (0.1 ha) is estimated at 500 kg — a low output also influenced by the appearance of downy mildew.

In the wider region of Corinth, mainly table grape and raisin varieties (Sultana and Corinthian currant) were once again unsuitable for trade or drying. Sultana was affected by powdery mildew and by “the disease of abandonment,” while Corinthian currant ended up being used in winemaking at high prices (€0.60/kg).

In Achaia, where irrigation is possible, the yield of Roditis in terms of quantity is expected to remain at last year’s satisfactory levels. The harvest of Muscat and Mavrodaphne is also good, with prices slightly higher than last year.

In Heraklion, Crete, despite the devastating effects of drought and heatwaves on table grapes, wine grape production is better than last year’s dismal harvest, though still reduced. Noteworthy is the rise in prices and the substitution through imports of the “gap” left by the absence of Sultana.

In Lemnos, the lack of rainfall and high temperatures stressed the vineyards, affecting grape ripening. Still, production is expected to be slightly better than last year, with quality at high standards.

Similarly in Samos, grape health and quality are very good, while yields are expected to remain at last year’s levels.

Further south, Santorini is experiencing its most difficult harvest in history, with minimal yields per stremma and overall — down 85% compared to the average and 50% compared to last year — due to drought and strong winds.

The starting price base is €9/kg, but in practice prices begin at €10/kg and rise to €13/kg. Wineries are competing to harvest growers’ vineyards with their own crews, bearing the cost of harvesting. It is clear that the island’s vineyards themselves are fighting for survival.

A similar picture of reduced grape production is also evident this year in Rhodes, where yields are affected not only by weather conditions but also by abandonment and lack of new entrants.

In the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos, after last year’s devastation from heatwaves and drought, expects a better and higher-quality harvest of local varieties, though signs of abandonment are also evident here.

Finally, in Kefalonia, after an excellent season last year, the April frost hit the island’s lowlands, while a 10-day heatwave in July affected the slopes of Mount Ainos. The resulting dry, hot conditions destroyed a large part of production. Notable is the rise in prices, driven by the reduced output.

Overall, new factors are emerging that will influence the wine market.

Firstly, grape prices are expected to rise in areas producing wines with Geographical Indication, where yields have fallen due to weather conditions, since wineries must cover their needs with domestic production. On the other hand, the drop in consumption at both national and European levels — leading to a 30–40% reduction in winery sales during the summer season — is a factor that must also be taken into account.

Winery sales executives point to the unorthodox and hostile pricing policy of restaurants and bars (€16/litre in carafe, with bottle prices four times higher than retail), a policy that deters consumers, compounded by stricter penalties and more frequent alcohol testing.

Adding to this bottleneck, as every year, is the “window of opportunity” opening from the Spanish, Bulgarian, and especially the Italian market, which expects an abundant harvest — with an additional unknown variable being the U.S. market and the imposition of a 15% tariff on European wines.

Source: KEOSOE