Algarve Wine Production Hits Record 2 Million Liters in 2024: A Surprising Growth Story

Algarve's Wine Production Soars The Algarve region has achieved a remarkable 1,982,177 liters of wine production in 2024, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. This impressive growth was reported by Sara Silva, president of the Algarve Wine Commission (CVA), which has been certifying wines from various regions since 2012.

Unexpected Production Surge Sara Silva noted that the production increase surpassed initial expectations. In July, the Institute of Vine and Wine (IVV) had forecasted an increase of about 8-10%, but the final count revealed a 20% rise compared to the 2023 campaign.

For 2024, the IVV's data indicates that production exceeds 1.9 million liters of certified wine, alongside an additional 100-200 thousand liters of non-certified table wine.

A Record Year According to CVA records, this marks one of the best production results in the past 15 years, largely attributed to the growing number of wine producers in the Algarve.

Growing Producer Community The region now boasts 61 registered producers, with an annual average of five to six new registrations. This growth leads to more vineyard area dedicated to quality production, while existing producers are expanding their vineyard areas as well.

Investment in New Vineyards Over the past three years, approximately 180 hectares of new vineyards have been authorized in the Algarve, reflecting a contrasting trend compared to other parts of the country.

Shift in Wine Varieties There has been a notable evolution in white wines, catering to consumer preferences. The region primarily sells wine during the summer months, with a significant demand for fresh nectars like rosés and sparkling wines.

Traditional Varieties Making a Comeback The Negra Mole, a traditional Algarve grape variety, is gaining traction among producers who are increasingly confident in its market acceptance, leading to its inclusion in more monovarietal wines.

Export Challenges Despite the record production, most Algarve wines are consumed locally, particularly in the tourism sector. Exports range between 12-15%, with some producers focusing on local sales through restaurants, hotels, and wine tourism.

Recently, six wine commissions, including Algarve, presented their insights to the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee in Lisbon, discussing the 2024/2025 production, which is expected to drop by 8% to 6.9 million hectoliters.