European Wine Wars: EU Vintners Turn Up Noses at Wine Reform

Europe is the world’s largest producer of wines. But in the EU, wine consumption is decreasing, even as inexpensive imports enter the market. About 15 percent of wine produced in the EU goes unconsumed, and the EU invests hundreds of millions of euros to turn unwanted wine into cheap cleaning products. The European Farm Commissioner proposes saving the EU money by paying farmers to destroy vines early in the process. Perhaps more controversially, the commissioner proposes lifting strict rules on labeling that protect geographic regions. European vintners face competition from cheap imports and technological advances, such as adding woodchips to improve flavor. Europe long set standards for wine production, and its vintners can’t help but resent overseas competition, leading to supply outstripping demand, and the need to destroy crops. – YaleGlobal