According to the German Wine Institute (DWI), based on the new wine consumption balance sheet, average per capita consumption among those aged 16 and over fell from 22.2 to 21.5 liters in the 12-month period from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. This means German consumers drank around one bottle of wine less on average than in the previous year.
Total consumption of wine and sparkling wine amounted to 17.8m hl, 4% below the previous year's level. Of this, 15.3m hl were still wine (–4.1%) and 2.5m hl were sparkling wine (–3.6%). The consumption balance sheet accounts for purchases in retail and from producers, as well as out-of-home consumption.
Based on the population of 71.2m people aged 16 and over, this results in a calculated total annual per capita consumption of around 25 liters (wine and sparkling combined). Still wine consumption decreased by 0.7 liters compared to the previous period, while sparkling wine
Higher cost of living and demographic change as causes
Despite the rising number of people over 16—from 70.9m in 2020 to 71.2 m in 2024—the downward trend has continued. Over a four-year period, total wine consumption fell by 2.1m hl, corresponding to an average decline of around 52m liters per year.
"This development is attributable to changed consumption behavior, higher costs of living, and demographic change in Germany," explains DWI Managing Director Melanie Broyé-Engelkes.
Furthermore, according to Christian Bauer of the German Winegrowers' Association (DWV), geopolitical crises, economic uncertainties, and inflation-driven price increases are weighing on the population's willingness to buy. At the same time, health consciousness is rising.
The industry also cites the negative portrayal of wine in health and nutrition policy—such as by the WHO and DGE (German Nutrition Society)—as a contributing factor. They argue this portrayal often lacks scientific evidence and further unsettles consumers.
Source:Meiningers I nternational
