It’s official: China joins the International Organisation of Vine and Wine

With 756,000 hectares of vineyards—the third largest in the world—and an annual wine consumption of 6.3 million hectolitres, China is poised to redefine the dynamics of the sector. On 14 November 2024, the country officially joined the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), becoming the 51st member of an institution that has been setting standards for the global wine industry for a century. This membership comes in a symbolic year, coinciding with the centenary celebrations of the OIV, and underscores China’s growing importance in the wine world.

The OIV’s 51st member

The announcement of China’s membership followed a six-month consultation process (as previously reported), initiated after the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs submitted an application on 14 May 2024. This move not only enhances Beijing’s political and economic clout on the global stage but also marks a significant shift for the OIV, which now represents 85% of the world’s vineyard area.

According to the 2023 State of the World Vine and Wine report, China ranks as the ninth-largest wine consumer globally, with 6.3 million hectolitres consumed annually. It is also one of the leading nations in vineyard area, surpassed only by Spain and France. This milestone highlights how rapidly China’s wine sector is evolving in terms of both production and consumption.

Although formal ratification by the Chinese government is expected in the coming months, the country has already gained full participation rights in the organisation’s discussions and activities. This will grant China a key role in shaping international standards, facilitating knowledge exchange, and strengthening collaborations with other member countries.

The OIV and the Future of Global Viticulture

Founded in 1924 in Paris, the OIV is regarded as the foremost global authority on scientific, technical, and economic issues related to viticulture and winemaking. With China’s inclusion, the organisation further solidifies its position as an international forum for cooperation and development among wine producers worldwide.

In the context of global challenges—ranging from climate change to technological innovation—China’s membership opens up new prospects. Not only does it offer the Chinese market a platform to acquire technical and scientific expertise, but it also provides other member states access to one of the fastest-growing wine markets.

Experts note that China has already made significant investments in research and development, aiming to produce wines competitive on the international stage. This membership is likely to accelerate the country’s rise as a key player in the wine industry.

With over 95% of the world’s leading wine-producing nations as members, the OIV remains a vital reference point for the sustainable development of the sector. For China, wine could become a symbol of openness and global ambition. Looking to the future, the country aims to be a constant and influential presence in the evolving global wine scene.