Average vineyard area increased
Italy's total vineyard area has remained stable (636,000 ha/+1%) despite a decrease in the number of wineries. Thus, the average vineyard area of wineries has increased by 51% to 2.5ha. However, the differences in the individual regions are enormous.
Regional differences
In Friuli, winegrowers average 5.5ha and in Lombardy 4ha. 3.8ha were surveyed in Veneto, 3.6 in Tuscany, 3.4 in Piedmont, 3.3 in Emilia-Romagna, 2.9ha in Sicily and 2.7 in Puglia. The remaining regions are below the average of 2.5ha. The distribution of vineyards is particularly high in Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, as well as in Basilicata and Calabria, where wineries own on average less than one hectare.
Strong north-south divide in vineyard development
The number of wineries has been in constant decline throughout Italy since 2000. However, the development of vineyards between northern and southern Italy diverges widely.
Thanks to Prosecco and Pinot Grigio, the strongest growth was in Veneto, from 73,709 ha in 2010 to 101,432 in 2020 (+38%). Friuli is almost at the same level of growth, with an increase of 34%, also boosted by the two varieties Prosecco and Pinot Grigio. Double-digit growth (+11%) is otherwise recorded only in Lombardy, but from a small basis of 22,293 to 24,725 ha. Lugana plays a major role here. Losses were recorded in the north only in Piedmont (-7%, 43,282 ha) and Emilia-Romagna (-2%, 54,842 ha).
In Central Italy, only Tuscany gains slightly (+4%, 58,664 ha). The shrinkage is particularly high in Umbria (-23%, 9,237 ha).
In the south, only a 3% increase to 21,701 ha in Campania brightens the scenario. However, the region still had over 29,000 ha in 2000. In Puglia, one would have thought vine area had grown in the last 10 years, but the surveys remain stable at 96,551 ha. Sicily has lost the most acreage, largely due to grubbing-up, sale of planting rights and abandoned vineyards. Between 2010 and 2020, it decreased from 110,699 to 89,625 ha; in 2000, there were even 121,796 ha planted.
Trentino with largest share of viticulture
The analysis also includes the share of viticulture in the agricultural land of the individual regions. It is highest in the small region of Trentino with 43%, followed by Veneto with 32%. In Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, the agricultural area is dominated by vines each with 31%. Wine has the least influence in the agriculture of Calabria (10%), and in Lombardy it accounts for only 13%.
