Experts in the wine industry have issued a warning that revellers might be hard-pressed to source their favourite bottles of champagne to raise a toast and ring in the new year, 2022. Globally, people are likely to face this problem, due to what’s been described as a ‘perfect storm’ of worldwide disruptions. 

This includes shipments stuck at US ports, while delivery chains have buckled due to a lack of drivers, as they attempt to meet massive demands in the holiday season. Alison Napjus, a senior editor at Wine Spectator said, “It’s not even just that basic transportation issue. We’re also looking at things like shortages of the cage that goes on top of your bottle, labels, boxes to put wine in”. She continued “So you put that all together with the huge increase in demand we’ve seen for champagne this year [and] for other sparkling wines and of course, the holiday season, and it could be tough to find some of your favorite labels this year.” 

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The magazine has also predicted that the world might have to cope with the effects of this champagne shortage for years to come. This theory seems to be backed up by the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), the trade organization operating out of the titular French region. They’ve reported that the production limit in 2020 was capped at 25% lesser than the limits in 2019. This is because of a drop in demand that year, to the tune of 18%. 

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Accounts suggest the decision on part of the importers to slow, or rather stop, importing wines has led to a larger problem than the supply chain woes. Troubles mostly arose due to an uptick in champagne demand towards the end of 2020, during the holiday season, and in 2021 as well. Problems were further compounded due to torrential rains in summer, frost, and off-season heat waves. 

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The industry also faced additional strain in countries like the USA, where Americans opted to drink wine at home, rather than visit bars and restaurants due to COVID-19 fears. A viticulture specialist has also brought to light that the industry is facing a shortage of bottles.