German consumers bought less wine in 2025, institute says

A winemaker examines a glass of Mosel Riesling at the Selbach wine shop in Zeltingen-Rachtig. German consumers bought less wine last year, with both sales volumes and revenues declining by around 7% compared with 2024, according to the German Wine Institute (DWI). Harald Tittel/dpa

German consumers bought less wine last year, with both sales volumes and revenues declining by around 7% compared with 2024, according to the German Wine Institute (DWI).

The institute attributed the drop to the country’s still subdued consumer climate.

The figures are based on a survey of roughly 20,000 households conducted by market research firm Nielsen – used as a reference by DWI – although the actual amounts of wine were not disclosed. Both domestic and international wines were equally affected by the decline.

DWI managing director Melanie Broyé Engelkes said the number of households buying wine remained relatively stable, but these consumers purchased wine less frequently and in smaller quantities. She described the overall market situation as tense.

Domestic wines gained slightly in market share, rising to 42.6% over the year. Wines from Italy accounted for 17%, followed by Spain with 13% and France with 9%.