Upcoming Wine Harvest in 2025 offers promising outlook for production
In the heart of Germany, the wine region of Baden-Württemberg is facing economic challenges, but the state government is taking action. Minister Peter Hauk launched an immediate wine program in January 2025 to counter declining producer revenues due to decreasing global wine consumption and increasing production costs in the United States.
The program, dubbed 'Sofortprogramm Weinbau,' combines EU, federal, and state support measures to stabilize and support winegrowers. Measures include increased subsidies for hand-harvested wine production, doubled funding for pheromone-based environmentally friendly pest control, re-inclusion of steep vineyards (over 30% slope) for funding, support for the cultivation of small and very small vineyard plots from 2026, and expanded multi-risk insurance coverage now including hail damage in the USA.
From 2026, the state government plans to expand the FAKT II program to include these steep vineyard sites and small structures. The subsidies for pheromone promotion in viticulture are doubled from 100 euros per hectare to 200 euros per hectare. Moreover, the state increases the subsidies for manual wine production from 3,000 euros per hectare to 5,000 euros per hectare.
Favorable weather conditions in the vintage 2025 led to an early bud break, flowering at the end of May, sufficient rainfall, and warm weather, resulting in overall very good vineyard conditions. Winemakers in Baden-Württemberg have been busy with the harvest since early September, and it is hoped for an excellent 2025 vintage.
The state government is also working on long-term prospects for the wine industry. Minister Hauk stated that they are working with the wine industry to develop these prospects. Integrated rural development concepts (ILEK) can be used to support projects for the restructuring of vineyard areas.
Wine tourism projects are being supported in the region to promote the 'Wein Süden' concept and connect actors. The government of Baden-Württemberg has initiated the Future Wine Farm Baden project, which is an example of the state's efforts to support the wine industry.
Key European exporters like Italy, Spain, and France may try to sell more wine on the German market. An increased 15 percent import tariff for wine into the USA could exacerbate price pressure on the German wine market. However, the state government is taking steps to counter these challenges.
The Yield insurance for fruit and wine program, established in 2020, is expanded to include hail damage support from 2026. The state wine law is being adjusted, requiring uncultivated vineyard areas to be grubbed out in the future.
Minister Hauk described the wines from Baden as distinctive, lively, and bringing joy, combining origin and craftsmanship. The Ministry of Food, Rural Areas, and Consumer Protection provides contact information for press inquiries and citizen's representatives.
The government of Baden-Württemberg is committed to supporting the wine industry and creating a sustainable future for its winemakers.
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