Wine production in Chile.

In the heart of the Chilean valleys, viticulture combines passion and expertise. Iconic grape varieties thrive despite climate challenges. The innovation and know-how of the winegrowers combine to offer unique wines.    

The main wines of Chile and the challenges.

Chile is renowned for the quality and diversity of its wines, with several iconic grape varieties playing a key role in national and international markets.
Cabernet-Sauvignon: Represents more than 32% of planted areas. Main exported red grape variety.
Sauvignon blanc: Represents around 14% of the surface area. Very popular for its freshness.
Merlot: Around 12% of the surfaces. Popular for quality red wines.
Carmenère: Emblematic grape variety of Chile, recognized for its unique quality.
Chardonnay: More than 10% of planted areas. Main exported white grape variety.

The Chilean wine market faces several significant challenges that impact its competitiveness and growth.
Climate change: Droughts, heat waves and early frost affect production.
Economic fluctuations: Decline in exports.
Diversification of grape varieties: Need to import new varieties to expand the offer.
Fluctuating popularity: Recent decline in demand, particularly in international markets.
Adapting to new trends: Need to respond to the changing preferences of global consumers.
Chilean producers must overcome these challenges to stabilize and increase their market share globally.

Economic analysis of the Chilean wine market.

In 2018, the Chilean vineyard occupied 212,000 ha (2.8% worldwide), in 2019, the area decreased to 200,000 ha (2.7%) and increased to 207,000 ha (2.8%), in 2020. During this last year, the value of wine exports was €1,821.99 million for a volume of 1,911.63 million liters. In 2021, the value dropped to €851.55 million.
In 2022, the value of exports reached €1,970.31 million for a volume of 833.77 million liters. China was the main export market by value (€302.05 million, 15.80%), followed by the United States (€209.27 million, 10.95%) and the United Kingdom (202.55 M€, 10.60%).
In 2023, global wine production fell by 10% (237 Mhl), while consumption fell by 3%. Chile's bulk wine exports decreased by 25%, reaching 11.32 Mhl (€124.7 M). Bulk wines represented 41% of the volume and 17% of the total value of Chilean exports. Bottled wines, representing 56% of volume and 80% of value, also fell by 25%.
In 2024, Chilean wine production could drop by 10% according to forecasts. Currently, the market lacks dynamism, and the popularity of Chilean wines is declining. Improvement is expected from the second half of 2024. Despite concerns, Chilean producers remain optimistic about future demand in the Chinese market, hoping for a strong recovery.

6th largest producer in the world, Chile exports 64% of the volumes of wine it produces. Faced with this figure, the question arises: how can Chile continue to ensure the quality and competitiveness of its wines on the international market while overcoming climatic and economic challenges?