The German Farm Accountancy Data Network (TBN) of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) is the central basis for the economic analysis of agriculture in Germany. It provides annual key figures on income, costs and profitability – including in viticulture, one of the most important specialised crops. The latest TBN results show significant regional differences: the highest operating results in 2024 were achieved in the Palatinate (22.4%), the Moselle (20.6%) and Rheinhessen (19.6%). These regions operate efficiently and generate stable surpluses despite rising costs. In Franconia (15.1%) and especially Württemberg (2.6%), profitability is significantly lower – an indication of higher cost intensity and lower yields.
 

The TBN results thus point to an increasing spread in economic efficiency between the regions. Revenues include sales from core production such as mash, cask and bottled wine, as well as ancillary revenues from tourism and direct marketing, for example through wine shops, holiday apartments or wine tastings. In addition, there are revenues from new forms of use in the wake of climate change, for example from the cultivation of olives, lavender or vineyard peaches.

This is offset by considerable expenditure on materials and energy, such as fertilisers, plant protection, electricity, transport and marketing, as well as on personnel, depreciation on machinery and buildings, financing costs and an imputed entrepreneur's wage.

The difference between these items is the operating result and thus also the operating profit margin, which is considered a key benchmark for economic stability in the TBN. A business can improve its ratio by tapping into new sources of income, such as tourism or direct marketing, or by targeted cost reduction, particularly in energy and personnel. The operating profit margin in the TBN thus reflects not only pure profitability, but also the adaptability of wine-growing businesses to changing economic conditions. 

The Situation Report of the German Farmers' Association also provides important insights: most recently, the average operating profit in viticulture fell by 16% to €59,962 in 2024/25. The reasons for this are increased energy, material and personnel costs, changeable weather conditions and weaker domestic demand. Viticulture therefore remains one of the more economically challenging sectors of agriculture.

Nevertheless, current developments give cause for optimism: according to estimates by the German Wine Institute (DWI), the 2025 vintage is characterised by exceptionally high grape ripeness – coupled with the smallest harvest since 2010. The quality is rated as extremely good in all 13 German wine-growing regions. The grapes often remained smaller this year, but achieved a particularly high aroma density. The result: smaller yields, but concentrated, fruity wines full of character.

The monthly report of the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis, as of October 2025) on WZ08 1102 – production of grape wine also shows positive signs despite an 8.7% decline in sales compared to the same period last year (Jan.-Oct.). Foreign sales to the eurozone rose by over 20% – a clear sign of sustained high demand in the European market. In addition, hours worked increased by 18.2% and gross wages and salaries by 14.6%, indicating stable employment and solid structures in the industry.

Conclusion:
Despite small harvests and rising costs, German viticulture continues to assert itself as high-quality, internationally sought-after and economically adaptable. In terms of quantity, 2025 is a small vintage, but remarkably strong in terms of quality, exports and employment. Further positive opportunities arise from the further development of the wine-growing cultural landscape as an economic factor, not only in viticulture, but also in connection with health, education, leisure and cultural offerings. Trade could be promoted here by supporting small-scale, regionally oriented supply and leisure offerings. Cooperation with the wine industry, direct marketers and cultural institutions can increase visitor numbers and the quality of the visitor experience. At the turn of the year, the sparkling wine industry is also looking forward to New Year's Eve business with confidence, as Generation Z, with its more conscious consumption, preference for high-quality and non-alcoholic sparkling wines, and desire for spontaneous, authentic moments of enjoyment, is also ensuring a sparkling positive end to the year.
 

Other figures can be found here.