Global wine production is set to fall this year to its lowest level in more than half a century after “extreme weather events” caused severe damage to vineyards in western Europe, the world's largest wine-growing area.

Figures from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) said that global output was expected to drop this year to about 247 million hectolitres, down 8 percent from last year.

A hectolitre is 100 litres, or the equivalent of just over 133 standard 75 centilitre wine bottles.

From the wine lover’s perspective, the fall in production could mean a rise in the price of a bottle of your favourite tipple.

“In the European Union, extreme weather events – from frost to drought – significantly impacted 2017 wine production, which was historically low,” said the OIV in a report on its estimations for wine production for this year.

Sharp drops in the world’s top three wine producing countries - Italy, France and Spain - were largely responsible for the overall drop around the world.