The global wine industry faces new challenges as its supply chains become more complex and vulnerable. A recent GB News analysis highlights that a bottle of wine’s journey from vineyard to table involves many steps, including grape growing, glass production, logistics, international regulations and climate risks. Companies in the sector are now working to make their supply chains more resilient and sustainable, but they face obstacles such as a lack of digital skills and complex regulations.
Over the past two years, 73% of companies have changed the structure of their supply chains, according to a 2024 Gartner report. Of these, 90% have seen benefits such as improved resilience, reduced costs, greater flexibility and reduced carbon emissions. However, 96% also reported challenges, including logistics, regulations and finding employees with the right digital skills. These changes aren’t just about saving money; they aim to make the industry more sustainable for the future.
The wine supply chain is particularly susceptible to disruption. The cost of packaging (bottles, caps and labels) represents a significant part of the final price. Long international shipping routes increase the risk of quality loss. Counterfeit wines remain a serious problem, especially for high-end brands. Climatic fluctuations can directly affect harvests and wine quality. As a result, winemakers are looking for deeper changes rather than simple optimizations.
Many businesses are adopting strategies to improve sustainability and resilience. According to McKinsey data from 2022 to 2024, 97% of companies have already implemented measures such as increasing inventory levels, regionalizing operations, and using multiple suppliers for key products or components. This approach helps reduce dependence on a single supplier or region. However, only 60% of companies have visibility into their first-tier suppliers; information on suppliers located downstream in the chain is often lacking. Most businesses (around 90%) also report a lack of digital skills needed to manage these new systems.
Speed of response is another issue. A 2024 IDC/Kinaxis report reveals that only 17% of companies can respond to supply chain disruptions in less than 24 hours; most take an average of five days. In today’s volatile global environment, this delay can be critical.
Technology plays an increasing role in meeting these challenges. Digital tools such as blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, RFID/NFC tags and QR codes are used to track wine from vineyard to bottle. Studies show that blockchain increases trust and transparency, but requires skilled workers to implement effectively. For example, a pilot using private blockchain technology reduced audit times by 75%. Combining IoT devices with tracking beacons allows producers and distributors to monitor every step in real time.
Digital traceability offers several advantages: it creates permanent records at every stage of production and logistics; it helps prevent counterfeiting; it reduces paperwork; it builds consumer confidence; and this allows producers to charge higher prices for verified products.
To build more resilient supply chains for wine, experts recommend diversifying suppliers so that no region or company becomes a point of failure. Regionalizing production, by bringing bottling and packaging closer to sales markets, can reduce carbon emissions and speed up distribution. Digital transparency through advanced tracking technologies strengthens quality control and consumer trust.
Risk management is also essential. This involves maintaining reserve inventory, working with alternative suppliers, maintaining flexible logistics networks, and planning in advance for unexpected events such as extreme weather or political instability.
For producers and the market as a whole, these changes bring economic benefits. Greater transparency gives consumers more confidence in what they buy – a key advantage for premium brands. Honest marketing about sustainable practices can improve brand reputation. Reducing losses due to counterfeiting or improper storage saves money over time. Although investing in digital systems can be costly at first, it pays off with better management and higher prices for reliable products.
As climate change continues to impact agriculture around the world and global trade faces new uncertainties, the wine industry’s supply chain has become a strategic asset rather than just an operational concern. Traditional models focused on cost reduction and centralization are no longer enough. The future will require diversification, regionalization, digitalization and full transparency at every step.
Industry leaders say those who are able to manage their entire supply chain, from vineyard to glass, will be best positioned to succeed in this evolving landscape. The next time you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, remember that behind every bottle is a complex web shaped by tradition but increasingly defined by technology and global challenges.