Wine production in Portugal is expected to reach 7.3 million hectolitres in 2023, the highest since 2006.
The Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE) attributed this growth to increased production in all regions, with the exception of some sub-regions, such as Vinhos Verdes and the Beira Interior regions.
The INE highlighted that the wines are expected to be 'complex' with a 'balance between alcohol content, acidity, and tannins.'
It also noted that the geographical dispersion of the vineyard, along with the climatic particularities of the wine-growing regions and the characteristics of the grape varieties planted there, prolonged the harvesting period, which lasted from the first half of August until the first half of October.
A study by Nova SBE for the Associação De Vinhos E Espirituosas De Portugal (Association of Wines and Spirits of Portugal –ACIBEV) found that the wine industry generated around €3 billion in economic activity and 43,000 jobs in 2021.
The study also unveiled that the industry generated approximately €861 million in gross added value in the same year.
Wine Exports
In 2022, Portuguese wine exports amounted to €941.5 million, representing 41.3% of the total value of direct wine production, according to the study.
Ana Isabel Alves, executive director of ACIBEV, told the Lusa news agency that the wine sector accounts for 2.7% of GDP and 3.4% of employment.
Alves highlighted the challenges faced by the sector, beginning with "everything related to anti-alcohol threats," and the "growing tendency to question the very legitimacy of wine."
She also expressed concern about the proposed 10% increase in the tax on alcoholic beverages, including liqueur wines, Port Wine, and muscatels.
Alves expressed hope that the government would reconsider the proposed tax increase and instead support the wine industry by advocating for it at the European level and assisting in the removal of customs and non-customs barriers to exports.
