Digest #12

Ridgeview Estate Winery escapes administration

Ridgeview Estate Winery, one of England's leading sparkling wine producers, has managed to avoid going into administration. It's positive news for the Sussex-based winery, which has been a flagship name in the English wine renaissance over recent years. The development comes as many UK wine businesses have faced financial headwinds.

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Tim Etherington-Judge launches sustainability operating system for drinks brands

Tim Etherington-Judge, the founder behind Healthy Hospo and Avallen Spirits, has launched Alkatera, a new digital sustainability tool designed to help drinks brands manage their environmental impact. The platform acts as a sustainability operating system for the drinks industry, offering a way for producers to track and improve their practices. It's a significant move for the sector, as sustainability credentials become increasingly important to consumers and retailers alike.

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National Wine Careers Week set to return this May

National Wine Careers Week is making a comeback for its second year in May 2026, following a successful first run in 2025. Taking place from 9-15 May, the initiative is designed to attract new talent and showcase career opportunities across the wine industry. It's a positive sign that the sector is actively working to build its workforce pipeline and inspire the next generation of wine professionals.

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‘Access without ownership’: Tiny Wine prepares crowdfund as fine wine format divides opinion

London startup Tiny Wine is planning a crowdfunding campaign after a strong Christmas period and growing corporate interest in its innovative model. The company converts premium bottles into small tube-sized portions, letting customers experience fine wine without committing to full bottles. Co-founder Harry Crowther discusses how this 'access without ownership' approach is reshaping the premium wine market, though the format is proving divisive among traditional fine wine enthusiasts.

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ProWein: First data-driven tool for efficient trade fair visits - Targeted orientation and contacts instead of information overload

ProWein, one of Europe's leading wine trade fairs, has launched a new digital tool called 'Insights to Action' (I2A) to help visitors make the most of their time at the event. The data-driven platform aims to cut through the noise of massive trade shows by providing targeted networking suggestions and helping attendees plan their visits more strategically. It's a smart move that could make the fair experience more productive for wine professionals looking to build meaningful business connections.

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French winemakers toast new markets as exports fall and tariffs bite

French winemakers are facing tough times with falling exports and mounting tariff pressures, but they're fighting back by actively pursuing new markets. The industry is having to adapt its traditional export strategies as trade barriers bite, with producers seeking alternative destinations beyond their usual buyers. It's a story of resilience and strategic shift in response to a changing global wine trade landscape.

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How Italy Is Using Wine Tourism to Combat the Decline in Global Wine Drinking While Elevating Regional Economies and Providing New Growth Opportunities

Italy is turning to wine tourism as a creative solution to tackle falling global wine consumption, whilst boosting local economies and creating fresh opportunities for regional growth. The strategy highlights how wine regions are adapting beyond traditional production and sales, leveraging experiences to strengthen their market position. It's a particularly interesting model as other European wine areas grapple with changing consumer habits.

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European Glass Industry Warns EU Leaders of Mounting Threats to Sector's Survival

Europe's glass manufacturers are raising alarm bells with EU leaders about serious threats to the industry's survival. This matters for wine producers because glass bottles are essential to wine packaging and distribution, so any disruption to glass suppliers could affect everything from production costs to availability. It's worth keeping an eye on how these sector challenges develop, as they could have ripple effects across the wine supply chain.

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Euro-Parliament backs measures to protect and promote EU wine sector

The European Parliament has given the green light to new measures aimed at protecting and promoting the EU wine sector. This parliamentary backing suggests potentially significant policy changes that could affect how European wines are produced, labelled, and traded both within the EU and internationally. Wine professionals and producers should keep an eye on what specific protections and promotional initiatives emerge from this decision.

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Essential oils and the fight against mildew: What producers around the world can learn from an estate in Costières de Nîmes

A winemaking family in southern France has developed a natural alternative to copper fungicides using essential oils to fight downy mildew, one of the biggest threats to organic vineyards. With French authorities recently restricting copper use, Château l'Ermite d'Auzan's breakthrough could offer a game-changing solution for growers across Europe battling increasingly unpredictable weather. The estate is sharing their findings freely, suggesting this innovation could transform how producers tackle fungal diseases without relying on potentially harmful chemicals.

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Non-Alcoholic Wines Gain Ground as Global Drinking Habits Shift

The wine industry is seeing a significant shift as non-alcoholic wines gain popularity among consumers, reflecting broader changes in global drinking habits. More producers are investing in alcohol-free options as health-conscious consumers explore new choices. This trend is reshaping how the wine market approaches product development and appeals to younger and more health-focused demographics.

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ProWein Business Report: Wine Industry Overestimates Its Importance - Developing New Strategies Instead of Demanding Subsidies

According to the latest ProWein Business Report, the wine industry may be overestimating its bargaining power in customs negotiations and should focus on developing its own solutions rather than seeking government subsidies. Professor Simone Loose's analysis, which examines the impact of US tariffs, suggests the sector needs to adopt a more independent strategic approach. The report challenges the industry's traditional lobbying tactics and calls for fresh thinking on how to navigate trade challenges.

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Agrivoltaics? Yes in my vineyard

Vineyard owners are exploring agrivoltaics, a clever farming approach that combines solar panel installations with grape growing on the same land. This dual-use strategy allows wine producers to generate renewable energy whilst maintaining productive vineyards, offering a practical solution to rising energy costs and environmental concerns. It's an innovative way the wine industry is adapting to climate challenges whilst diversifying revenue streams.

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IWCA releases first cross industry benchmark for vineyard soil carbon

The International Wine Carbon Accountability organisation has released the first industry-wide benchmark for measuring soil carbon in vineyards. This development could be significant for UK and European winemakers looking to quantify and improve their environmental footprint, as it provides a standardised way to measure and compare vineyard soil carbon levels across the industry.

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