Spain's wine exports slump 18% in early 2026, DOP volumes fall

Spain, the world’s leading wine exporter, recorded a sharp drop in shipments during the first four months of 2026. According to data from the Spanish Tax Agency analysed by the Inter‑professional Wine Organisation (OIVE), exports fell to about 548 million litres, an 18.1% decline from the same period a year earlier, and revenue slipped 8.3% to €858 million.

The contraction was driven mainly by bulk wine sales, but it also hit bottled wines. Labels with Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) — the highest‑value segment — saw export volumes fall 11.1% and revenue drop 7.8%, even as the average price per litre rose slightly. Sparkling wine, including Cava, also lost ground, while varietal bottled wines showed modest growth. Fortified wines performed the worst, falling more than 20%.

A recent academic study of Spanish DOPs notes that, although DOP wines contribute a small share of total export volume, they generate a disproportionate share of export value. The study highlights heterogeneous export behaviours among DOPs, with a few large regions focusing on low‑price high‑volume sales and others targeting higher‑priced, quality‑focused markets, suggesting a shift in Spain’s export image toward premium wines.