Portugal's official wine association has set an ambitious target to make the UK its top export market within the next decade. This strategic move shows how European wine producers are prioritising UK growth as part of their international expansion plans, reflecting the ongoing importance of the British market for continental wine industries.
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This is Wine Owners' flagship annual commentary from Simon Farr, positioning it as their most popular interview of the year. The piece delivers original market analysis and forward-looking predictions for 2026, making it timely for a newsletter focused on industry intelligence. Worth covering because annual market analyses from established voices provide readers with authoritative trend forecasting and professional insights they can't easily find elsewhere. The fact it's their 'most popular' suggests strong audience engagement and credibility within the sector.
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WineGB has launched a comprehensive New Entrants Guide to help aspiring winemakers and vineyard owners navigate the growing UK wine sector. The revised 104-page guide, sponsored by NFU Mutual and dedicated to English wine pioneer Peter Hall, covers everything from viticulture and winemaking to business planning and market routes. It's designed to give newcomers realistic expectations about the increasingly expensive business of wine production, and is available exclusively to WineGB members through their Knowledge Hub.
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UK glass bottle manufacturer Croxsons has launched a new bottle specifically designed for English and Welsh sparkling wine producers. It's a positive development for the domestic sparkling wine sector, showing investment in the infrastructure needed to support Britain's growing reputation for quality sparkling wines.
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The UK has just moved to the top of Europe's wine tax league following a 3.66% hike in alcohol duty announced in the Budget. A bottle of full-bodied red wine will cost an extra 14p, with duty on 14.5% ABV wines now standing at ÂŁ3.33, overtaking Finland's rate of ÂŁ3.29. Industry bodies warn the increase will add further pressure to already squeezed pub and brewery profit margins, with a pint of beer expected to rise by around 2p as a result.
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Marzipan is subscription commerce software built for wineries â manage clubs, orders, and customers in one place.
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Ukraine's wine industry is facing unprecedented challenges as the ongoing war disrupts production, supply chains, and exports. Despite the hardships, Ukrainian winemakers are finding ways to adapt and continue their craft, showcasing the resilience of the country's growing wine sector. It's a testament to how the industry is persevering through one of its toughest periods.
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Pop star Kylie Minogue will be attending Wine Paris 2026 (9-11 February) to present her wine portfolio and present an award at the show's V'Dor ceremony. Her wine brand, launched in 2020, has become the UK's best-selling premium rosé and top branded Prosecco Rosé, with her low and no-alcohol sparkling range driving a third of all growth in that category over the past two years. She's also launching a new lighter wine called The Petit Rosé at the major Paris trade fair, which expects to attract over 52,600 trade visitors.
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Bordeaux's wine authorities have officially approved a new lighter claret style that'll start appearing on shelves from the 2025 vintage. It's designed to address warmer growing seasons pushing alcohol levels higher, whilst also tapping into changing drinking habits where consumers prefer fresher, fruitier reds served lightly chilled. The move revives a historic style that was popular when Bordeaux shipped wine to Britain from medieval times.
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Cold climate viticulture is opening up surprising new wine regions across Europe for producers and enthusiasts alike. As temperatures shift, areas previously considered unsuitable for quality wine production are now producing competitive vintages, reshaping the European wine landscape and offering wine lovers fresh regions to explore.
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France's top apprentice has chosen to pursue a career in the wine industry, defying the common perception that young people are turning away from wine work. This positive story highlights that there's still genuine interest and talent entering the sector despite ongoing workforce challenges. It's a reminder that the wine industry continues to attract ambitious young professionals committed to their craft.
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Major drinks corporations are so busy solving their own problems that they're failing to lead the industry through a challenging period marked by tariffs, shrinking consumer bases, and economic uncertainty. This has opened up a significant opportunity for smaller, more agile companies to gain ground and influence in the global drinks market. Read Richard Siddle's thoughts.
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China's wine market has been written off as suffering from collapsed demand, but a new analysis suggests the reality is more complicated than that simple conclusion. For European wine exporters who've relied heavily on Chinese buyers, understanding what's really happening there matters far more than accepting headlines about decline. This piece digs into what's actually changed in the Chinese market and what it might mean for producers.
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The International Wineries for Climate Action has released its first comprehensive analysis of soil organic carbon sequestration projects across the wine industry. This compilation compares various vineyard soil carbon initiatives, providing the sector with valuable insights into how different regions and producers are tackling climate change and building soil health. It's a significant step in standardising and measuring the wine industry's environmental progress on a global scale.
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Dan Kirby and Brad Horne have launched a new podcast called Second Press: A Wine-ish Podcast, which explores the people, culture, and business side of the wine industry. It's designed for curious wine enthusiasts and those already passionate about the sector, combining interviews and industry insights into one accessible show.
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Germany will host the inaugural Global Conference on Dealcoholized Wine and Spirits in 2026, marking a significant milestone for the growing low and no-alcohol beverage sector. The conference highlights how dealcoholized options are becoming increasingly important to producers and consumers across Europe, reflecting broader shifts towards health-conscious drinking habits. This event is expected to bring together industry experts, producers, and stakeholders to explore innovation and market opportunities in this expanding category.
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