Analysts suggest drinkers stop whining about wine shortage

Japan and exports to America had increased by 15%. And demand in countries such as newly wealthy China is only predicted to rise too.

“With more and more Chinese travelling overseas and being introduced to wine, it will only bring up the demand,” said Judy Leissner, CEO of Grace Vineyards in China.

According to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, global wine production will continue to expand, reaching 281 million hectolitres this year, compared to 258 in 2012. English sparkling wines are contributing to that boost in production.

“The future for English sparkling wine is bright with new producers and hundreds of hectares of new vineyards being planted across Sussex, Hampshire and Kent,” said Christian Holthausen of Nyetimber, which pioneered English sparkling wine 25 years ago.

In Argentina, too, Bodegas Santa Ana – with an annual production of 60 million bottles – continues to plant new vines and buy up existing vineyards, according to export manager Martin Navesi.

But is it enough to quench the global thirst for wine? Growers say their cellars are far from empty. “We have stock. Port has the rule of three – for every bottle you sell, you must stock two,” said Jorge Nunes, Asia Pacific representative for Port wine producer Symington.

Indeed, Leissner said there was even a surplus of wine in China.

“What I don’t see a wine shortage in China,” said Leissner, who produces two million bottles a year. “Many wineries are unable to sell their wines.” –