Digest #25

Meet the owners of award-winning Island vineyard with blue wine and peacocks

Meet an award-winning island vineyard that's turning heads with its innovative blue wine and distinctive visitor experience complete with peacocks roaming the grounds. The owners have created something quite special that's garnered industry recognition while offering tourists and wine lovers a memorable destination. It's a great example of how UK vineyard owners are getting creative with production methods and hospitality to stand out in today's wine market.

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Why is rosé dominating the no and low category?

Rosé continues its pink-wine reign with UK off-trade sales climbing 5% to £882 million in 2025, and now it's conquering the no and low alcohol category too. Major Provence producers and emerging brands are racing to launch alcohol-free rosé expressions as consumers embrace 'zebra striping', switching between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the evening rather than committing to one or the other. The no/low drinks market is now worth $1 billion globally, and it's being driven by moderation rather than abstinence, with over 90% of non-alcoholic drinkers still buying regular wine.

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From grape to grid

Biddenden Vineyards in Kent has benefited from a £70,000 power network upgrade from UK Power Networks that's doubled the local electricity capacity available to the site. The third-generation family business was expanding its operations and needed more power for new machinery, so engineers installed 170 metres of underground cables whilst the network was simultaneously improved for over 1,500 local households. The vineyard's general manager praised the smooth collaboration with the utility company, saying the investment will future-proof the business for the next two decades.

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Matthew Clark and Bibendum finalise full merger

Two of the UK's biggest wine and spirits distributors, Matthew Clark and Bibendum, have officially merged to create Matthew Clark Bibendum (MCB). The merger, announced by parent company C&C Group, brings together two major players in the industry and is expected to reshape how wine reaches bars, restaurants, and shops across the country.

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£35,000 Master of Wine Scholarship is Now Open for 2026 Application

Applications have opened for the prestigious Barca-Velha Golden Vines Master of Wine Scholarships, offering up to £35,000 in funding for 2026. The Master of Wine is one of the wine industry's most respected qualifications, and this scholarship could help make professional development more accessible to talented candidates.

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EU Let Wine Industry Write Its Own Rules But Civil Society Is Taking Action to Put Common Good First

Civil society groups are pushing back against EU wine industry self-regulation, arguing that letting producers write their own rules has prioritised profits over public good and environmental responsibility. Movendi International and allied organisations are working to shift the balance towards policies that better reflect health and sustainability concerns. The story underscores a broader tension between industry interests and public welfare in how European wine regulation actually works.

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Spring Frost Damages Champagne Vineyards

Spring frosts have damaged vineyards across the Champagne region, threatening the quality and quantity of this year's harvest. This weather event is a significant concern for producers and could potentially impact availability and pricing of Champagne in the coming months. It's a reminder of how vulnerable even established wine regions are to unpredictable spring weather.

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EU Backs Vineyard Robots to Aid Struggling Wine Growers

The EU is backing the adoption of vineyard robots to help struggling wine growers manage their operations more efficiently. This move recognises the growing pressure on producers to cut costs and labour expenses whilst maintaining quality. It's a sign that automation technology is becoming part of the solution for Europe's wine industry as it navigates current economic challenges.

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Germany weighs higher alcohol taxes in 2027 budget

Germany's government is considering raising alcohol taxes as part of its 2027 budget plans. This could significantly affect wine producers and businesses across the EU, as Germany is one of Europe's largest wine markets. The potential tax increase is worth monitoring if you're involved in wine production, distribution, or retail in the region.

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Croatia’s largest wine show opens in Poreč

Croatia's biggest wine show is opening its doors in Poreč, bringing together producers and industry professionals to showcase the country's wines. It's a key event for the Croatian wine sector and reflects the ongoing activity and growth in Central European wine markets within the EU.

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Wine's leftovers could help wean chicken farms off antibiotics

Researchers are discovering that wine production leftovers could offer a natural solution to antibiotic overuse in chicken farming. By repurposing grape pomace and other wine byproducts, farms may be able to reduce their reliance on antibiotics while improving animal health. It's a clever example of circular economy thinking that could benefit both the wine industry and agriculture more broadly.

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Women More Likely to Choose Wine From Female Winemakers

Research suggests that women shoppers are more likely to purchase wines made by female winemakers, revealing an interesting shift in how consumers connect with producers. This trend reflects growing awareness of gender representation in the wine industry and suggests that producer identity is becoming an increasingly important factor in purchasing decisions for many buyers.

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Wine Industry Faces a Structural Reset

The wine industry isn't just experiencing a temporary slowdown, it's undergoing a fundamental structural reset, according to new analysis from Azur Associates. Softer demand, tighter distribution channels, and more expensive access to capital are reshaping the market in ways that'll likely leave the industry smaller but more competitive. It's a significant shift that suggests the coming years will look quite different from what came before.

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Trade Court Rejects Trump's Global Tariffs

A trade court has rejected Trump's proposed global tariffs in what could be good news for European winemakers. Wine producers from the EU and UK have faced significant tariffs on exports to the US in recent years, so this court decision may help ease trade tensions and improve market access. It's a development worth watching if you're involved in wine exports or concerned about transatlantic trade policy.

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OIV: tariffs and climate weigh on wine trade

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine's latest annual report paints a sobering picture for 2025. Global wine production barely budged with just 0.6% growth, whilst consumption fell 2.7% as consumers tightened their belts and shifted their habits. The UK market wasn't spared either, with consumption down 2.4%, though it remains the world's fifth largest. Tariffs and extreme weather continue to squeeze producers worldwide.

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