2024 Grape Harvest: Second Weakest in the Last 50 Years

This makes the 2024 grape harvest the second weakest of the last 50 years, after 2021. The wines, which are still maturing and in some cases have a lower alcohol content, are characterised by elegance and finesse.

In 2024, 75 million litres of wine were produced in Switzerland, representing a significant decline of 25.7 percent compared to the previous year. Compared to the average of the last ten years, production has decreased by 18.5 percent. The 2024 grape harvest is the second weakest of the last 50 years, after 2021. This decline is primarily attributable to unfavourable weather conditions, such as frost and hail, and infestation with downy mildew. The climate crisis is exacerbating such extreme events.

Western Switzerland recorded a total wine production of 60.6 million litres, a decline of 23.8 percent compared to the previous year. With a harvest volume of 10.4 million litres, the production losses in German-speaking Switzerland were even more pronounced, at 36.9 percent. In Italian-speaking Switzerland (Ticino and Misox), a total of 4.2 million litres were produced, meaning the decline in this region was smaller (−15.6%).

Unfavourable Weather Conditions as the Main Cause

The 2024 weather conditions significantly complicated the work of winegrowers. Spring frosts as well as cold and wet weather during the flowering period led to irreversible yield damage. Both spring and summer were characterised by wet weather, which favoured the development of downy mildew in various Swiss wine-growing regions. There were also prolonged periods of rain and cold during the grape harvest. As a result, the harvest lasted longer overall and the risk of losses due to rot was greater. Thanks to the patience of the winegrowers, the grapes were nonetheless able to reach the desired ripeness, although their sugar content was in some cases lower than in previous years.

Sharp Rise in Production Costs

Swiss winegrowers defied all these challenges and demonstrated remarkable commitment to ensuring the quality of their production. However, due to the particularly intensive care of the vines and the low yields, their production costs have risen sharply. The wines of the 2024 vintage are currently still maturing, with initial tastings having shown that the quality is sound. Even though the alcohol content is in some cases lower, the wines are distinguished by elegance and finesse.

The total Swiss vineyard area in 2024 amounted to 14’485 hectares, which is 84 hectares less than the previous year (−0.6 %). More on the Environment and Nature Conservation.