Begijnendijk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The poor climate caused Belgian wine production to decrease by 64% during the last year, and Hageland winegrowers have observed this impact. Wijngaard ten Gaerde owner Danny Van de Gaer produced 7,000 litres of wine during normal years yet managed only 1,050 litres last year.
The 2023 output of Belgian wines reached its lowest level ever since 2017 due to a 64 % decrease from previous years. Weather-related conditions are mainly responsible for the significant 64 per cent decrease resulting from spring frosts together with high rainfall amounts that caused damage to vineyards throughout Belgium.
Danny Van de Gaer of Wijngaard ten Gaerde in Begijnendijk had the lowest production at 1,050 litres after achieving a 7,000 litres maximum yield in the Hageland region.
Belgian vineyards suffered severe damage because of the severe weather around 2023. The -5-degree Celsius night frosts in April resulted in the destruction of young buds on the vines.
Following this period came an abnormal wet weather pattern during spring and summer, which resulted in mould formation and prevented vine flowers from blooming. The production of Rosé sparkling wine declined by the most significant rate at 78% as red wine production dropped by 76%.
“We have to adjust our pruning method. We don’t start with the healthiest grapevines because there is still some mold on them. That is why we are taking very good care of them now, so that we can start with a healthy plant. I am looking forward to the 2025 harvest. Although I hope it stays cold for a while, because if the vines are already in bloom now, there is a good chance that there will be frost damage again in April.”
There are bright spots, though. The wine that is there is of good quality.
“If only 15 % of the normal volume of grapes hangs on the vines, the plant needs less energy to ripen the fruit. As a result, the quality is very good,”
Says Danny.
In addition, the prices will remain as consistent as possible.
“You can’t pass on the weather conditions to the customers, they don’t want that in Belgium. Winegrowers are therefore trying to bottle and offer the wine that we have held back in recent years. In this way, we try to maintain a reasonably stable price throughout the year.”
What is the historical context of Belgian wine production?
Belgium has experienced substantial growth in its wine production sector throughout the last twenty years despite its lack of reputation in wine manufacturing. In 2022, Belgian producers reached their highest wine output, a total of 3.4 million litres, since previous years. The output for 2023 fell to 1.226 million litres, which is the lowest recorded figure since 2017. Climate variations have negatively affected the important wine-producing areas of the Hageland region.
Belgian winegrowers have previously had to deal with the country’s fickle weather patterns, yet the 2023 weather circumstances, which featured frosts and excessive rain, proved to be historical extremes. Rosé sparkling wine (78%) and red wine (76%) experienced severe output drops because of their sensitivity to changing weather conditions. The Belgian wine industry received recognition for its high-quality products while making serious attempts to stabilise prices alongside implementing cultivation methods that reduce climate-related hazards.
