Sales of local wine in Lanzarote fell by almost a third in 2009. The decrease meant that only 1.2 million bottles were sold compared with 1.7 million the previous year.

The figures have been calculated by the Regulatory Council that issues the Denominación de Origen labels for wines produced on the island. Whether the situation has been caused by the crisis or a lack of promotion is unclear, but 29% fewer labels were issued during 2009.

It also suggests that the level of consumption in local restaurants declined during the last year. And the outlook does not seem much better for 2010, leading wine producers to petition the Government to put a plan of action into place to help the viticulture sector of Lanzarote’s economy.