Digest #18

WineGB celebrates the start of the growing season with publication of 2025 Harvest Report

English wine producers are celebrating an extraordinary 2025 harvest, with UK production up 39% on the previous year thanks to early springs and record summer heatwaves. The fruit quality looks exceptional too, with potential alcohol levels reaching 10.48% and early grape ripeness levels that the Wine Technical Group is calling a 'mast year'. Leading varieties like Bacchus and Solaris significantly outperformed their five-year averages, suggesting some really impressive wines are on the horizon.

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British Vineyards Boost Wine Output by 55% in 2025 After Warm, Dry Summer

British vineyards have achieved a remarkable 55% increase in wine output for 2025, thanks to an unusually warm and dry summer. This significant production boost reflects improving growing conditions for UK wine regions and suggests the domestic industry is becoming increasingly competitive. It's an encouraging sign for the British wine sector's continued growth and market potential.

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UK wine industry valued at £14 billion

The UK wine industry is making waves with a £14 billion valuation and impressive growth figures. According to WineGB's latest report, UK wine producers saw a massive 39% jump in their 2025 harvest compared to 2024, showing real momentum in the sector. It's a sign that British wine is becoming an increasingly serious business.

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British wine production more than doubled in 2025, FSA says

British wine production has more than doubled in 2025, according to figures from the Food Standards Authority, marking a significant milestone for the UK wine industry. The market is now valued at £14bn, reflecting both increased output from the latest harvest and growing consumer interest in homegrown wines. This dramatic growth highlights how the UK is establishing itself as a serious player in the global wine market.

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Why is the UK drinking so much Verdejo?

UK drinkers are developing quite the taste for Spanish Verdejo from Rueda, with record sales hitting 1.31 million bottles in 2025, up nearly 7% on the previous year. The crisp, herbaceous white wine is winning over British consumers thanks to its affordable price point, food-friendly profile, and strong supermarket presence across Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda. Producers like Bodega Cuatro Rayas credit the variety's clear identity and excellent value for money as key to its growing popularity in the UK market.

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Scientists Identify 600-Year-Old Pinot Noir Seed in Medieval French Hospital

Scientists have discovered a remarkably preserved Pinot Noir seed dating back 600 years in a medieval French hospital, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of one of Europe's most celebrated grape varieties. The find provides rare evidence of the grape's cultivation and importance in France during the medieval period. It's a wonderful reminder of how deeply rooted Pinot Noir is in European wine heritage.

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Bordeaux estate turns to space tech to monitor vines in real time

A Bordeaux organic estate is now using satellite technology to monitor its vineyards in real time, marking a shift towards high-tech viticulture. The system, developed by Finnish firm Kuva Space, uses hyperspectral imaging to detect subtle changes in vine health before they're visible to the naked eye, helping identify early signs of stress from disease, pests, or nutrient issues. It's an innovative approach that's becoming more practical and affordable thanks to newer satellite constellations, and it fits perfectly with organic farming principles and the need to adapt to increasingly unpredictable growing conditions.

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European Commission Sets May 1 Start for Provisional EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement

The European Commission has set May 1 as the start date for a provisional EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which could shake up the wine market across Europe. This deal between the EU and South American trading bloc (Mercosur) will affect tariffs and market access for European wines heading to South America, as well as influence competition from imported wines in European markets. Wine producers and merchants should keep an eye on how this unfolds, as it could reshape trading conditions they operate under.

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Moscato d'Asti Sales Jump 55% in China as Asian Market Becomes Key for Italian Sparkling Wine

Moscato d'Asti is experiencing a remarkable surge in China, with sales jumping 55% as Asian consumers develop a taste for Italian sparkling wine. The success signals an important shift in the global wine market, with Asia becoming increasingly crucial for European producers looking to grow beyond traditional markets. It's a reminder of how rapidly consumer preferences are evolving in emerging economies and the opportunities this creates for wine regions willing to invest in these developing markets.

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Madrid set to gain its first international wine fair

Madrid's launching its first major international wine fair this May, called WINEMAD, positioning itself as a significant new gathering point for the global wine industry. It's an interesting development for the European wine trade calendar and could become an important event for industry professionals looking to network and do business in Spain. Worth keeping on your radar if you're involved in wine distribution, retail, or international trading.

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Global Wine Barrel Market Surges as Premium Wine Demand Drives $2.23 Billion Valuation by 2036

The global wine barrel market is experiencing strong growth, with projections showing the industry could reach a valuation of $2.23 billion by 2036, fuelled by rising demand for premium wines. This expansion reflects the wider industry shift towards quality production, which affects winemakers across Europe who rely on quality barrel sourcing for their products. Understanding these market trends helps producers plan for potential supply and pricing changes in the years ahead.

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Xi Jinping’s Morality Crackdown Has a New Victim: The Global Wine Trade

China's government crackdown on luxury spending and perceived moral excess is now affecting the global wine trade. Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign has made wine consumption politically risky for Chinese elites and businesses, potentially reshaping export strategies for wine producers who've relied on Chinese demand as a major market driver in recent years.

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Michel Rolland, Pioneering Winemaker Who Shaped Global Tastes, Dies at 78

Michel Rolland, the legendary winemaking consultant who revolutionised global wine production and influenced how millions of people taste wine, has passed away at the age of 78. Known for advising top vineyards across France, Bordeaux and beyond, Rolland's fingerprints are on some of the world's most celebrated wines. His innovative approach to winemaking and consultancy became a defining force in the modern wine industry.

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U.S. Wine Tariffs Surge to $492.2 Million After Expansion to European Imports

US wine tariffs have jumped to $492.2 million following an expansion that now covers more European imports. This matters for European and UK wine producers, as higher tariffs on exports to America can affect pricing strategies and market opportunities for those selling across the Atlantic.

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The Wine Industry Once Mocked Influencers. Now It May Need Them

The wine industry is having a change of heart about influencers. What was once dismissed as an inauthentic marketing approach is now seen as potentially essential for reaching new customers and adapting to modern sales challenges. This shift reveals how wine brands are rethinking their strategies to stay relevant in an increasingly digital marketplace.

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