Digest #13

WSTA hits out at decision to include glass in Welsh DRS

The Welsh government's decision to include glass bottles in its Deposit Return Scheme has drawn criticism from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, which argues the policy will prove costly and ineffective for the wine industry. The move represents a significant regulatory shift for wine businesses operating in Wales, affecting how bottles are handled and returned. This development highlights the ongoing debate between environmental goals and the practical challenges facing wine retailers and producers.

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English Sparkling Wine Reaches for Greatness

One wine critic's trip home became a revelation about English sparkling wine's impressive quality. The article explores how English producers are reaching new heights, challenging traditional perceptions about UK wine production. It's a timely look at how the English wine industry is gaining credibility and recognition on its own merits.

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Nyetimber’s head winemaker Cherie Spriggs: ‘I think about wine in a musical way’

Cherie Spriggs, head winemaker at Nyetimber, the award-winning English sparkling wine producer, reveals her creative philosophy behind the wines she crafts. In a new interview, she explains how she approaches winemaking with a musical sensibility, thinking about how different elements come together in harmony. It's an interesting insight into the personalities and creative processes shaping the UK's increasingly respected sparkling wine industry.

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English wine’s golden age faces a tiny villain

Just as English and Welsh vineyards are celebrating their best harvest on record after the driest summer in decades, a tiny pest called spotted wing drosophila is emerging as a growing headache for growers. Unlike other fruit flies, SWD can actually pierce grape skin to lay its eggs, creating entry points for rot rather than just exploiting existing damage. The insect has quietly established itself across vineyards in the region and industry leaders are now starting to develop strategies to manage what could become a significant threat to future vintages.

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French Scientists Use Machine Learning to Authenticate Champagne and Burgundy Origins With 100% Accuracy

French scientists have developed a machine learning system that can authenticate Champagne and Burgundy wines with complete accuracy. The breakthrough technology could be a game-changer in the fight against counterfeit wines, protecting two of the world's most prestigious (and frequently forged) wine regions. This innovation highlights how the wine industry is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to verify authenticity and safeguard the integrity of protected designations of origin.

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Cognac Producers Request €40 Million in EU Aid After Chinese Tariffs Slash Exports

Cognac producers in France are seeking €40 million in emergency EU funding after Chinese tariffs have devastated their export markets. The tariffs have significantly slashed shipments to China, one of the world's most important markets for premium spirits. This aid request highlights how trade tensions are reshaping the European wine and spirits industry's global sales landscape.

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Wine Paris 2026 showed how the industry is recalibrating

Wine Paris 2026 highlighted how the European wine industry is adapting to changing market conditions and consumer demands. The trade show served as a barometer for industry shifts, revealing how producers, distributors and merchants are recalibrating their strategies. It's a useful snapshot of where the European wine sector is heading as it navigates current challenges.

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West Flanders sees unprecedented expansion of wine industry thanks to global warming

West Flanders is experiencing remarkable growth in its wine industry, thanks to warming global temperatures making the Belgian region increasingly suitable for grape cultivation. The expansion is being described as unprecedented, signalling a significant shift in where European wine is being produced. This reflects how climate change is reshaping the continent's wine geography, opening opportunities in regions that were previously too cool for commercial viticulture.

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First alcohol-free Bordeaux from a Cru Classé château - Ilex 2023 from Château Franc Mayne in St. Émilion

Château Franc Mayne in Saint-Émilion has become the first Cru Classé estate to produce an alcohol-free Bordeaux with their new Ilex 2023, a pure Merlot priced at around €57. The wine is currently available only by allocation, suggesting strong interest in premium non-alcoholic options from serious wine producers.

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Chinese wine is no longer imitating Europe – it's defining itself

Chinese winemakers are charting their own course rather than simply copying European traditions, signalling a maturing wine industry that's developing distinctive styles and quality benchmarks. This shift reflects growing confidence and investment in Chinese viticulture, reshaping the global wine market landscape. It's a reminder that the traditional European wine dominance continues to face new challenges from emerging producers worldwide.

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How Kylie Minogue built a wine empire in six years

Kylie Minogue has built a successful wine business in just six years, showcasing how celebrity ventures are reshaping the wine market. This type of high-profile wine brand has become increasingly common in UK and European retail, influencing consumer choices and market trends. It's an interesting example of how entertainment figures are expanding into the wine industry and capturing market share.

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The ethical drinker: 'Wines and people that made me stop and think'

Decanter's sustainability editor is reflecting on what 'ethical drinking' really means, beyond just enjoying what's in the glass. She's exploring wines and producers from France that challenged her thinking on everything from farming standards to labour practices and environmental impact, examining how our wine choices can make a difference. It's a thoughtful look at how consumers and the industry are rethinking responsibility in wine production.

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Can Wine Appellation Systems Withstand Climate Change?

As climate change reshapes growing conditions across Europe, wine producers are facing tough questions about whether traditional appellation systems can survive. The article explores how protected designations, which have long defined quality and authenticity in wine regions, might need to evolve to keep pace with warming temperatures and shifting growing seasons. It's a critical conversation for both established European wine areas and newer UK producers navigating their own place in a changing climate.

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9 things you didn't know about the world's biggest wine tasting organisation (and what it tells us about wine)

Sweden's Munskänkarna wine club boasts 30,000 members across 180 local groups, making it the world's largest wine appreciation organisation, despite thriving in one of Europe's most restrictive alcohol markets. The unpronounceable name reflects the group's distinctly Swedish identity, though there are growing outposts in Finland, Norway, Belgium, and potentially London soon. It's a fascinating example of how wine community and enthusiasm can flourish in unexpected places.

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