In 2023, Alavesa DOCa Rioja wines were exported for over 20 million litres, valued at 146 million euros.

• The current complex situation in the global wine market has resulted in a 5.4% decrease in Alava's export volume. However, this is an improvement from the previous year's 8% drop. The exports have decreased by only 0.7% in value, and the average price has continued to rise, now standing at €7.27 per litre, which is 5% higher than the previous year.
• The United States is currently the primary market for Rioja Alavesa DOCa Rioja wine exports in terms of value, while the British market leads in terms of volume.
• The Basque Government has allocated almost 12 million euros to provide financial support for the wine sector, as well as various initiatives to promote its products.

La Puebla de Labarca in Alava celebrated the 18th Uztaberri Eguna Festival today. During the event, wineries open their doors to welcome the first wines of the new vintage and share Rioja Alavesa’s tradition and wine culture with locals and visitors alike.

The Basque Regional Minister for Economic Development, Sustainability and the Environment, Arantxa Tapia, and the Deputy Regional Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Policy, Bittor Oroz, visited La Puebla de Labarca to participate in the scheduled events. They visited wineries and discovered the variety of wines available in the region.

In celebration of this occasion, the Basque Government has released the Rioja Alavesa wines export data in 2023.

Alava DOCa Rioja Wines Exports

Rioja wines produced in Álava saw a 5.4% decrease in export volume and a 0.7% decrease in export value from January to November 2023, with over 20 million litres and 146 million euros exported. The average price of the wine continues to rise and is now at 7.27 €/litre, a 5% increase from the previous year.

The complex global situation resulting from conflicts, increased production costs, and tariffs on international wine trade directly and indirectly affect the foreign trade of Rioja Alavesa wines. Despite the decline, it is worth noting that the drop in exports has slowed by 8% in volume compared to 2022.

Alavesa wines with DOCa Rioja are the main driver of Basque exports, accounting for over 50% of the volume and 71% of the total value. Despite white wines having reduced exports in both volume and value, red wines and rosés continue to lead sales.

Regarding the export destinations for Rioja Alavesa DOCa Rioja wines, the United States remains the top market in terms of value, despite a decrease in sales compared to 2022, which was an excellent year. The wines are sold at a price well above average. The United Kingdom closely follows the North American nation in terms of Alavese wine sales. The British market is currently the leading market in terms of volume. There has been a significant increase in demand in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, both among end markets and distributors. The value in the Mexican market continues to raise, although it has already done so significantly in 2022. France is experiencing strong growth in terms of value, although there has been a reduction in volume sales.

Promotion and financial support provided by the Basque Government

In light of the intricate global economic situation, the Basque Government is providing financial support to companies in the Basque wine sector. The government has allocated approximately 12 million euros to finance investments in wine-making facilities and infrastructures, as well as to develop information and promotion campaigns for wine products in third-party countries.

The government supports the promotion of the Basque beverage sector in national and international markets. This is demonstrated through the organisation of group participation in leading trade fairs such as last week’s Barcelona Wine Week, ProWein Düsseldorf in Germany, Wine Paris in France, and ProWine Singapore in the Asian market.

Additionally, the Basque Wine Office was established over four years ago to advise and strengthen the commercial strategy of Rioja Alavesa wineries. Through the 'Soy Rioja Alavesa' (‘I am Rioja Alavesa’ in English) campaign, 115 out of 190 Rioja Alavesa wineries have applied for permission to use the 'Rioja Alavesa' label on their products, with the vast majority already using it. This campaign was managed by the Basque Wine Office, which aims to promote the Rioja Alavesa region and its wineries.

This campaign was promoted by the Basque Government and HAZI to help consumers identify Rioja Alavesa wines through their labels when purchasing in shops or in hospitality settings.