World wine output near 'lowest for 20 years' as UK harvest looks good

Global wine production is predicted to fall 5% this year following poor grape-growing conditions in many countries - with the UK set to benefit.

The report by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) pointed to one of the worst seasons for producers in almost 20 years - with harvests at their lowest levels since 2012 at best.

The damage was worst felt in France and South America, the Paris-based body warned.

It said French vineyards suffered from frost and hailstorms in the spring - followed by drought in summer - shaving 12% from the volumes of wine produced.

The OIV also estimated output would be hit by 19% in South Africa, 35% in Argentina and would be down by half in Brazil.

The US, Australia, New Zealand and Spain were among the growing nations expected to see production rise.

Quantity is not everything - with quality particularly important when it comes to price.

The OIV report, which failed to mention the UK, was released as the marketing arm of the country's relatively small, but growing, wine industry predicted a great year.

Julia Trustram Eve, marketing director of English Wine Producers, said: "Overall, 2016 is looking to be a fantastic vintage for the UK.

"We haven't experienced any dramatic weather patterns such as seen in other parts of Europe and have had the benefit of some great summer and early autumn weather just when our grapes need it."

It plans to release its own statistics on the UK's season early next year.

English sparkling wine has taken off, in particular, in recent years - with a Sussex-produced brand beating champagne in a blind taste-test in Paris earlier this year.

Warmer summers and chalky soils have been rivalling French conditions to the extent Tattinger bought land in Kent last year to convert into a vineyard.