Winegrape Yield and Revenue Variability in Australia

Abstract

While winegrowers usually want to achieve consistent yield targets, there is a high degree of yield and price (and hence gross revenue) variability in winegrape production. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in yield and revenue variability across climates, varieties, and regions in Australia. This was performed by estimating statistical models of the impact of these three variables on the coefficient of variation of yield and gross revenue per hectare. The results suggest that hotter and drier regions exhibit lower interannual yield variability, something that in the past may have been largely explained by the use of irrigation, but which may change in the future with climate change and higher water prices. The results also showed that there are sometimes differences in yield and revenue variability, not only across regions, but also between varieties.