The renowned Italian wine region Delle Venezie has released its production figures for 2024, showing continued steady growth for its flagship wine, Pinot Grigio. Responsible for nearly 40% of the global Pinot Grigio supply, this northeastern DOC area—which spans Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, and Trentino—remains a central force in the international wine market.

According to the DOC Delle Venezie Consortium, bottled volumes rose by 3% this year, reaching 1,706,466 hectolitres. This follows a 2% increase in 2023, signalling a consistent and healthy upward trajectory for the region. Stefano Sequino, director of the Consortium, said the figures demonstrate how well Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie continues to meet consumer expectations.

“These results confirm the vitality of the DOC,” Sequino noted, pointing out that the growth in certified wines is a testament to both quality and demand.

Still dominates, but sparkling finds a place

Breaking down the numbers further, Sequino explained that the figures encompass both still and sparkling Pinot Grigio. Still wine overwhelmingly dominates, accounting for 98% of total production—equivalent to approximately 225 million bottles. Sparkling styles, though far smaller in share, still make a mark: frizzante (lightly sparkling wines) contributed 15 million bottles, while fully sparkling wines represented 11 million bottles, or just under 0.5% of total volumes.

In addition to Pinot Grigio, the DOC also produces a small volume of Bianco delle Venezie wines, made from a mix of white grapes including Chardonnay, Incrocio Manzoni, and others. These account for just 0.07% of total production, or about 1.6 million bottles.

While value sales data for 2024 is not yet available, the Consortium has expressed confidence in the health of the market based on volume trends and certification figures.

Key export markets drive demand

The global demand for Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie remains strong, particularly in North America, which continued to lead as the region’s top export market. In 2024, 43% of total sales were shipped to the U.S. and Canada, reflecting the region's longstanding popularity across the Atlantic.

The UK followed closely behind, importing 27% of total volumes, while Germany ranked third with 10%. These top three markets account for a significant majority of the DOC’s global reach, but the Consortium is also turning its attention to emerging markets.

“We are currently working hard both to maintain the presence and to create an evolved knowledge about the appellation itself in ‘uncommon’ countries like Japan, Vietnam, Mexico, and Brazil,” said Sequino. He emphasized the importance of building brand awareness and understanding of the DOC’s quality standards in these regions.

More wines meeting DOC certification

One of the more telling signs of the region’s progress is the increasing number of wines receiving official DOC certification. In 2024, there was an 8% rise in wines meeting the Consortium’s strict requirements, with a notable surge in certifications in December—a 16% increase compared to the same month in 2023.

Sequino explained that many producers aimed to complete certification before the year’s end in order to start 2025 with fully approved DOC wines on the market. Certification requires adherence to specific production rules designed to preserve quality and stability in the market.

By agreeing to these measures, wineries help support the long-term reputation and consistency of the Delle Venezie designation. “This is of tremendous value for our stakeholders,” said Sequino, underlining the Consortium’s commitment to protecting the DOC’s integrity.

Focusing on identity and quality

Looking ahead, Sequino believes that Delle Venezie’s success hinges on a continued emphasis on territorial identity and the distinctive style that has propelled Pinot Grigio to global fame. While production growth is important, the Consortium is equally focused on educating both producers and consumers about the unique qualities of the region.

“Pinot Grigio delle Venezie’s natural place is in the Italian north-east,” Sequino said. “To make the distinctive style that has made it successful around the world even more appreciated, we must work more than ever to give voice, even in the production area, to territorial identity.”

With strong export numbers, growing certification rates, and a firm eye on quality, the Delle Venezie DOC appears well-positioned for another strong year in 2025. The steady climb in Pinot Grigio volumes and the region’s efforts to reinforce its brand identity suggest a sustainable future for one of Italy’s most important wine categories.