Digest #21

Get involved to inspire future industry talent

The UK wine industry is launching National Wine Careers Week (9-16 May 2026) to help recruit and inspire the next generation of workers. With the sector growing rapidly, employment forecasted to rise 21% in coming years, and thousands of seasonal roles to fill, the industry is making a coordinated push to showcase the breadth of career opportunities available, from production roles to distribution and hospitality. Led by Plumpton College and Nyetimber, the campaign aims to reach a broader and more diverse talent pool, helping connect businesses with the people they need to sustain growth.

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A new chapter for Woodchurch Wine Estate

Woodchurch Wine Estate in Kent has welcomed new ownership, with four friends and local wine enthusiasts taking over the multi-award-winning sparkling and still wine producer. The new team brings diverse professional backgrounds and plans to expand the estate's offerings with regular food pairings, new events, and community partnerships. They're committed to building on Woodchurch's reputation for quality wines whilst making English wine more accessible to visitors and wine club members.

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Too Much of a Good Thing or Growth Without a Market: England's Wine Industry at the Crossroads

England's wine industry is facing a tricky situation. While production has been growing thanks to favourable climate conditions and increased investment, there's a question mark over whether the market can actually absorb all this new wine. It's a classic case of success creating its own problems for producers trying to figure out where they'll actually sell their bottles.

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Vinarchy UK hit with £8million packaging tax

The UK's new Extended Producer Responsibility tax, which came into force in January 2025, has already cost wine giant Vinarchy's UK arm at least £8 million. The levy, which applies to all packaging types and affects businesses with over £1m turnover handling more than 25 tonnes of packaging annually, was meant to shift costs from taxpayers to manufacturers. Vinarchy's accounts reveal the tax would've pushed the company into profit otherwise, highlighting just how significantly this new regulation is affecting the wine industry.

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‘Taste of England’ competition introduced by Chapel Down

Chapel Down, one of England's leading wine producers, has launched a new 'Taste of England' competition designed to celebrate up-and-coming English chefs. It's a clever move that combines the wine and culinary worlds, helping to raise the profile of English wine amongst the next generation of food professionals who'll shape dining trends across the UK.

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Frost threatens one-third of Champagne harvest - 38 Percent of Buds Affected

Champagne producers are facing a worrying situation after three nights of frost damaged around 38 percent of flower buds, with some winemakers fearing harvest losses of up to one-third. The good news is that established producers have built up reserves to help weather the shortfall, though the true extent of the damage won't be known until May. It's a reminder of how vulnerable even the world's finest wine regions are to unpredictable spring weather.

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Germany Weighs Higher Alcohol Taxes to Bolster Health Insurance

Germany is exploring the possibility of raising taxes on alcohol to help fund its health insurance system. This potential policy change could significantly affect wine prices and consumer spending in one of Europe's key wine markets, making it an important development for the industry to watch.

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New Routes for Exports, Italy's Wine Industry Seeks an Antidote to Tariffs

Italy's wine industry is finding creative ways to navigate tariff challenges by exploring new export routes beyond traditional markets. As trade barriers impact European producers, Italian winemakers are adapting their strategies to protect their competitive position and maintain market access. This shift highlights how global trade dynamics continue to reshape where and how European wines reach consumers.

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‘Worth the wait’: Douro winemakers declare 2024 vintage Ports

Port producers are celebrating 2024 as a classic vintage after seven challenging years of intense heat and unpredictable weather in Portugal's Douro region. Symington Family Estates and Kopke Group have both declared the vintage, which benefited from ideal growing conditions, mild winters, warm springs and a long, steady ripening period through September. According to winemaker Charles Symington, this represents the return of truly exceptional conditions that allow for the refined, elegant wines the family has aspired to create since 1882.

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The Most Wanted Bordeaux of 2026

Wine-Searcher has released its list of the most sought-after Bordeaux wines for 2026, and it turns out the rankings have shuffled slightly from previous years. Whilst the top performers remain largely familiar names, the shifts in positioning offer insight into what collectors are chasing right now in the premium Bordeaux market.

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WHO Holds Second Alcohol Industry Dialogue

The World Health Organization is holding its second dialogue session with the alcohol industry, signalling continued engagement on policy matters that could affect how wine is regulated, marketed, and traded globally. These conversations at an international level often shape the rules that eventually filter down to producers and retailers in the UK and EU. It's worth keeping an eye on, as WHO recommendations can influence everything from health warnings on bottles to trade agreements.

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Australia's once‑booming wine industry is on its knees and Gen Z drinkers are to blame

Australia's wine industry is facing significant challenges, with changing consumer preferences among Gen Z drinkers being cited as a key factor in its declining fortunes. The trend highlights shifting attitudes towards alcohol consumption among younger generations, a pattern that's relevant to wine markets globally. Understanding how younger drinkers are reshaping major wine regions offers important insights for the UK and European wine sectors.

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Analysis: Why global drinks industry is opening up like never before

The global drinks industry is experiencing unprecedented opportunities and market openings across multiple sectors. This analysis explores what's driving wider industry expansion and how established barriers are breaking down. Wine professionals may find insights here that apply to current market dynamics and international trade patterns.

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Ukraine Overhauls Wine Rules to Match E.U. Standards

Ukraine is updating its wine production and labelling rules to align with European Union standards, making it easier for Ukrainian wines to trade within EU markets. This regulatory overhaul reflects Ukraine's closer integration with European wine industry frameworks and could open new opportunities for both Ukrainian producers and EU importers. The move signals growing standardisation across the broader European wine region.

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Moldova bets on indigenous grapes to carve out a global identity

Moldova is reshaping its wine industry strategy by putting indigenous grape varieties like Feteasca Albă and Rara Neagră front and centre on the global market. The country's wine authorities believe these native grapes, combined with the region's long winemaking heritage, offer a distinctive identity that sets them apart from competitors. They're balancing this focus on local varieties with continued production of familiar international wines, creating a dual strategy that appeals to both adventurous drinkers seeking something unique and those after traditional styles.

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