Digest #20

Sales of rosé buck the falling trend in UK wine sector

Rosé wine is providing some welcome good news for the UK wine industry, with sales up 3% in volume and 5% in value to reach £882 million over the last 12 months. The Wine and Spirit Trade Association's latest report shows that rosé is no longer just a summer drink, with steady sales throughout the year, including strong winter performance around Christmas. It's a stark contrast to the struggling red and white wine sectors, which have seen volumes fall by 6% and 4% respectively, making rosé a much-needed bright spot for producers and retailers dealing with rising costs and regulatory pressures.

Read full article

Vineyard shares its 'unusual' method of winemaking

A UK vineyard is making headlines for its innovative approach to winemaking that breaks from conventional methods. The BBC has taken a closer look at what makes their process distinctive and why it's catching industry attention. It's a great reminder that British wine producers continue to experiment and push boundaries in how they craft their wines.

Read full article

AI-powered grape ripeness detector aims to revolutionize wine industry

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed an AI-powered system to detect grape ripeness, with promising field trials already underway at Saffron Grange Vineyard in the UK. The technology could help winemakers harvest at precisely the right moment, improving wine quality and reducing guesswork. It's an exciting example of how British vineyards are embracing innovation to enhance their craft.

Read full article

Gulf crisis puts new pressure on wine prices

A crisis in the Gulf region is pushing up diesel costs and creating real headaches for UK and EU wine importers. As fuel surcharges climb, importers are facing some tough choices in the weeks ahead about how to manage these rising distribution costs and protect their margins.

Read full article

It’s official: UK Champagne market returns to growth

The UK's Champagne market is finally bouncing back, with shipments rising 1.9% to 22.7 million bottles in 2025, marking the first growth since 2021 after years of decline from the post-pandemic peak. However, it's a mixed picture: whilst volumes are up, prices are down nearly 6%, suggesting consumers are trading on value rather than splashing out on premium bottles. Industry distributors are cautiously optimistic, pointing to pricing stability and growth across the range, though producers are quietly absorbing significant cost pressures from packaging regulations, higher duty, and labour expenses.

Read full article

Roussillon’s Jean-Marc Lafage on acting now for a sustainable future

Jean-Marc Lafage, a seventh-generation winemaker from Roussillon, is leading his family's wine business through significant changes to tackle climate challenges ahead. The producer is turning to regenerative viticulture practices to improve the health of its vineyards and land, whilst also developing its export strategy. It's a story of how established winemakers are taking action now rather than waiting for problems to worsen.

Read full article

Spanish Scientists Develop Grape Pomace-Based Agent to Clarify Red Wine Without Animal Products

Spanish scientists have developed a new clarifying agent made from grape pomace that could help winemakers produce red wine without using any animal products. The innovation tackles growing demand for vegan wines whilst finding a practical use for what's normally considered wine production waste. It's the kind of practical sustainability solution that's increasingly important to both producers and consumers across the wine industry.

Read full article

Bordeaux Legend and James Bond's Favorite Winemaker

Bordeaux winemaking legend Hubert de Boüard, owner of the renowned Château Angélus, is taking part in a podcast conversation with respected wine journalist Jane Anson. The interview promises fascinating insights into one of the region's most celebrated figures, with part one now available to listen to.

Read full article

Struggling French vineyards turn excess wine into ethanol – The Irish Times

French vineyards are facing a wine oversupply crisis, prompting the EU to provide €40 million in emergency funding to help struggling growers convert excess wine into ethanol. The scheme affects major wine regions including Bordeaux and Burgundy, highlighting broader challenges in the European wine market where falling sales have forced producers to seek drastic measures to manage inventory and stabilise the sector.

Read full article

European Parliament Committee Presses for Mandatory Health Warnings on Alcohol Labels

The European Parliament Committee is pushing for mandatory health warnings to be added to alcohol labels across the EU. This move could significantly affect how wine producers package and market their products, with potential implications for compliance costs and consumer communication strategies. It's a regulatory development that wine businesses operating in or exporting to Europe should keep a close eye on.

Read full article

Wine Drinkers Face Lower Early Death Risk Than Beer or Spirits Consumers, Study Finds

New research suggests wine drinkers face lower early death risks compared to beer or spirits consumers. The study's findings could boost wine's positioning as a more health-conscious choice amongst alcoholic beverages, potentially influencing consumer preferences and industry marketing strategies across key markets.

Read full article

Global Wine Consumption Drops 15% as Industry Faces Shrinking Markets

Global wine consumption has fallen by 15%, signalling a major shift in the industry's landscape as key markets continue to shrink. This downturn affects producers and businesses worldwide, including those across Europe and the UK who rely on international sales and market stability. The contraction underscores growing challenges around consumer demand that are reshaping how the wine industry operates globally.

Read full article

Moldova wine sector defies climate adversity with 35% harvest growth in 2025

Moldova's wine sector has reported a remarkable 35% harvest growth in 2025, bucking expectations despite challenging climate conditions. This significant expansion in production could have ripple effects across European wine markets and showcases how some regions are successfully adapting to climate pressures. The boost reflects positive momentum in one of Europe's key wine-producing nations.

Read full article

Penn State Scientists Uncover Oak Tannins That Shape Wine Flavor Using Machine Learning

Scientists at Penn State University have used machine learning to identify specific oak tannins that influence wine flavour and quality. The research offers winemakers a deeper understanding of how oak ageing affects their wines and could help producers make more informed decisions about barrel selection and aging strategies. This kind of scientific insight is increasingly valuable to producers across the UK and Europe looking to refine their craft.

Read full article

Vineyards Benefit from Furry Friends

Vineyards are increasingly turning to livestock to help restore soil health, with horses, sheep and pigs making a comeback in the vineyard. These furry friends are proving valuable for their ability to naturally regenerate soil, offering producers a sustainable alternative to chemical interventions. It's a practical example of how the wine industry is embracing regenerative farming practices.

Read full article