Italy is expected to enjoy a good harvest in 2025 and regain its title as the world's leading producer. This is according to forecasts presented by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and the Union of Wine Producers.

Italian winegrowers are expected to produce 47 million hectoliters of wine and grape must, an increase of 8% compared to 2024 and a return to the average values of previous years.

Italy has been the largest producer for the past five years, including last year, with the exception of 2023, when France took its place. 2023 was a difficult year for Italy, with production—the lowest since the post-war period—affected by extreme weather conditions and fungal diseases, AFP reported.

Production is expected to be particularly high in southern Italy, with a 19% increase, Sicily and Puglia, where heavy spring rains replenished underground water reserves and helped the crop withstand the early and hot summer.

The northeast had a more difficult year with changeable weather and disease, while Veneto, the peninsula's leading wine-producing region, remains at average production levels.

Overall, Italy regained its lead over France, the world's second-largest producer, and is expected to produce 37.4 million hectoliters. France's production was particularly affected by the hot weather in August.

Spain is expected to take third place with 36.8 million hectoliters.

"This is a balanced harvest, with no extreme peaks in production, but with interesting prospects in terms of quality, ranging almost everywhere from good to excellent," according to a report by the Italian Wine Producers Union and the Association of Italian Oenologists.

Export demand fell by 4% in the first five months of 2025, and demand in Italy also declined, with the exception of sparkling wines. The wine industry is particularly concerned about the impact of US tariffs.

"We are facing difficulties that affect not only Italy but all producing countries. The quality of our wine is undeniable, but even good wine, if in excessive quantities, leads to a loss of value for the sector," said Wine Union President Lamberto Frescobaldi.

"Under current market conditions, it will be difficult to guarantee fair remuneration for the sector with a harvest of 47.4 million hectoliters, to which approximately 37 million hectoliters of wine in cellars will likely be added," Frescobaldi explained. | BGNES