Digest #23

New survey highlights ongoing concerns over discrimination and inclusion in UK drinks sector

A new survey from Drinks United reveals that the UK drinks industry, including wine businesses, has serious gaps in how it handles workplace discrimination, harassment, and employee reporting. The research highlights concerning shortcomings in employee treatment and suggests many companies need to do better at creating safe, inclusive workplaces. It's a reminder that the wine trade is being held to account on its workplace culture.

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Commitment to sustainability

WineGB has relaunched its Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) certification scheme with an important new addition, introducing a dedicated module focused on people and social responsibility. The scheme, which now covers 43% of UK vineyard land across 41 certified producers, has been expanded to recognise workforce wellbeing, skills development, and responsible employment practices alongside environmental sustainability. According to WineGB's CEO, this enhanced approach reflects the industry's commitment to meeting climate challenges and evolving consumer expectations whilst supporting recruitment and retention in the sector.

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London Wine Fair Announces Record Breaking Sessions for 2026

The London Wine Fair has announced record-breaking sessions lined up for 2026, signalling strong momentum for the UK's flagship wine industry event. The expanded programme reflects growing demand from trade professionals and exhibitors keen to connect and showcase their offerings. It's an encouraging sign of vitality in the wine sector heading into the new year.

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Prosecco name dispute reaches UK High Court

The Italian Prosecco Consortium has taken a London-based drinks business to the UK High Court over alleged misuse of the Prosecco name on sparkling wines. Prosecco is a protected geographical indication reserved for wines from north-eastern Italy made from the Glera grape, and these protections still apply in the UK post-Brexit. With Prosecco consistently outselling Champagne by volume in British supermarkets, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for how wine name protections are enforced across the UK and EU.

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University vineyard makes wine and educates pupils

A UK university has launched its own vineyard that's doing double duty as both a working winery and an educational space for students. The project combines hands-on learning with actual wine production, giving students practical experience in viticulture and winemaking. It's a clever example of how British wine education is becoming more experiential and grounded in real production.

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Regulators Scrutinize QR Codes on Food Labels

EU regulators are taking a closer look at how QR codes are being used on food labels, and this matters for winemakers and sellers too. As digital labelling becomes more common, authorities are examining how QR codes help with product traceability and consumer information, which could shape future requirements for wine labels. If you're in the wine trade, this is worth monitoring to ensure your labelling strategy stays ahead of potential regulatory changes.

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55. Supporting growers to keep Europe's wine flowing! | News | CORDIS | European Commission

EU wine sector news covering economic impact (EUR 130 billion annually, 3 million jobs) and support for growers across the value chain

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Fladgate Family Wines declares 2024 vintages

Fladgate Family Wines has declared the 2024 vintage across three of its prestigious port houses: Taylor's, Fonseca, and Croft. This declaration signals that the houses believe the 2024 harvest has produced wine of sufficient quality to warrant the vintage designation, which typically commands higher prices and prestige in the market.

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Spain's Wine Industry Courts China With Workshops

Spain's wine industry is ramping up its efforts to crack the Chinese market by hosting workshops to showcase Spanish wines and build relationships with Chinese importers and consumers. These initiatives highlight how European producers are actively pursuing growth opportunities in Asia, where there's significant potential for premium wine exports. It's a smart move for Spanish wineries looking to diversify their customer base and boost international sales.

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Spy documentary revisits Peter Sichel’s CIA past

A new documentary called The Last Spy tells the fascinating story of Peter Sichel, the German-born wine merchant who became famous for transforming Blue Nun into one of the world's most recognisable wine brands. Before his wine career, Sichel had an unlikely past as a CIA operative and Berlin station chief during the Cold War, and the film explores both chapters of his remarkable life. Sichel, who passed away in February 2025 at the age of 102, remains one of the wine trade's most intriguing figures, having grown up in his family's Mainz winery before fleeing Nazi Germany and eventually revolutionising the wine industry.

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The Cellar Door Paradox

Wine producers and cellar door operators often rely heavily on this direct-to-consumer model, but a new analysis from EVOF suggests it's not as stable as it seems. The piece explores how unexpected challenges, whether seasonal disruptions or broader economic shifts, can quickly expose the fragility behind this cherished business approach. It's an important read for anyone in the wine trade who depends on cellar door revenue.

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Iran war drives change in wine industry practices

The ongoing Iran conflict is reshaking the wine industry's supply chains and budgets, pushing producers to rethink how they operate. With logistics disrupted and costs climbing, winemakers across regions are accelerating plans to build more resilient businesses whilst boosting their environmental credentials. It's a reminder that global tensions don't just affect politics, they reshape how wine gets made and delivered to your glass.

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Australia Dominates WSET Diploma Top Prizes in 2025

Australia has topped the WSET Diploma prizes in 2025, according to Wine Industry Advisor. The WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) Diploma is one of the wine industry's most respected qualifications, so these results highlight where some of the world's most accomplished wine professionals are emerging.

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Pinot for petrol? Industry push for wine-powered wagons - News -

The wine industry is exploring an innovative sustainability angle by converting wine byproducts into bioethanol fuel for vehicles. This circular economy approach turns what would otherwise be waste into a renewable energy source, showcasing how winemakers are stepping up their environmental credentials whilst creating additional revenue streams.

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The Rise of Wine Tourism: Global Market Size to Reach US$ 138.4 Billion by 2033

Wine tourism is booming globally, with the market expected to hit $138.4 billion by 2033. This growth shows that travellers increasingly want to experience wine regions firsthand, visiting vineyards and wineries rather than just buying bottles in shops. It's a trend that's particularly good news for established wine regions across Europe, where tourism and wine production go hand in hand.

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