Digest #27

Why drinks industry should unite behind revamped London Wine Fair

The London Wine Fair is bouncing back stronger than ever, with visitor numbers up 8% and exhibitor participation growing by 9% at last week's event. The show's revamped format appears to be resonating with the drinks industry, with floor space expanding by 13% as businesses rally behind the rejuvenated trade fair. It's a solid sign that the sector's traditional gathering points remain vital for networking and business.

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UK wine company plunges into liquidation after £427,000 HMRC court battle

A UK wine and spirits wholesaler has gone into liquidation following a £427,000 penalty from HMRC after deliberately suppressing sales records and selling wine off the books. The court battle highlights the serious consequences of tax evasion in the wine trade, serving as a stark reminder of enforcement action and compliance requirements for businesses in the sector.

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English wine has moved up a notch – here's why

English wine just got a major quality upgrade. Sussex became the UK's first wine-specific Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in 2022, giving English producers a prestigious quality stamp similar to those you'd find in traditional wine regions. This regulatory milestone is helping English wines shed their novelty status and take their place alongside established European regions in the premium market.

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As buy-to-let struggles, should you invest in an English vineyard instead?

With buy-to-let property investment becoming less attractive, The Telegraph explores whether English vineyards could be the next hot investment opportunity. As regulations tighten and yields shrink in the property market, some investors are looking to the UK wine industry as an alternative way to grow their wealth. It's an interesting indicator of how changing economic conditions are opening new avenues for investment in English wine production.

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Kylie Minogue Wines: 27 Million Bottles Sold in Six Years - Best-Selling Premium Rosé Brand in the UK

Kylie Minogue's wine brand has become the best-selling premium rosé in the UK, with over 27 million bottles sold globally since launching in 2020. The brand's rosé prosecco offering is also the top performer in its category in the UK market, demonstrating strong consumer appetite for celebrity-backed wine brands in premium segments.

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How Wine, Truffles and Honey Could Help Europe Fight Wildfires - The New York Times

European wine producers, along with truffle and honey farmers, are exploring how their agricultural practices could help prevent wildfires across the continent. This innovative approach suggests that traditional farming methods and land management in wine regions aren't just about production, they're becoming part of the solution to Europe's growing wildfire crisis. It's a compelling example of how the wine industry is adapting to climate challenges while contributing to broader environmental resilience.

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EU Tightens Wine Labels With New Digital Rules

The EU is introducing new digital rules for wine labels that will change how the industry handles product information and compliance. This regulatory update affects producers, distributors, and retailers across Europe, so it's worth understanding what's changing and when you'll need to adapt to the new requirements.

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Europe’s oldest vineyards threatened by solar power

Spain's prized D.O. Toro region, home to some of Europe's oldest Tempranillo vineyards, is facing an unexpected threat. Rather than climate change, it's EU subsidies encouraging solar panel installation on farmland that's putting ancient vines at risk. Some landowners are switching from grape-growing to renewable energy production because the financial returns are simply better. These ungrafted vines, some dating back 200 years, have survived because they produce exceptional wine, but now they're disappearing as a result of subsidy-driven market distortion.

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Weather No Longer a Factor for Bordeaux

Bordeaux's 2025 En Primeur campaign is drawing some puzzled reactions from industry observers, particularly around how producers are framing the quality and characteristics of the vintage. Wine critic Oliver Styles is questioning the narrative emerging from the campaign, specifically around what role (or lack thereof) weather is playing in how châteaux are marketing their wines this year. It's an interesting moment that could signal shifting attitudes about how Bordeaux justifies its quality and pricing.

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Researchers test MRI sensors for vineyards

Researchers are trialling MRI sensors in vineyards to revolutionise how growers monitor soil conditions and vine health. The technology offers a non-invasive way to gather detailed data about what's happening beneath the surface, potentially helping producers make more informed decisions about irrigation, nutrition, and pest management. It's an exciting example of how cutting-edge science is being applied to improve vineyard sustainability and wine quality.

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Wine Industry Crisis: Why the Global Wine Business Is Drying Up

The global wine industry is facing unprecedented challenges fifty years after the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris blind tasting that put California on the world wine map. Today's wineries, including major European producers in Bordeaux, are struggling with declining consumption, changing consumer habits, and rising costs that threaten their survival. This article examines the crisis reshaping the wine business and what's driving these significant market shifts.

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Bruce Jack on why he fears staring down the barrel of 0% alcohol wines

Bruce Jack, a key figure in the wine industry, has expressed concerns about the rapid growth of 0% alcohol wines. His commentary highlights tensions within the sector about how these alcohol-free products might reshape the market and what it means for traditional wine producers and retailers.

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Taste Communication Costs Wine Industry Seven Million New Consumers

New research suggests the wine industry is missing out on seven million potential customers because of poor communication about taste and flavour profiles. The findings highlight a significant gap between consumer interest in wine and the industry's ability to effectively explain and market different styles. This points to a broader opportunity for winemakers and retailers to improve how they talk about their products to attract new drinkers.

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Women are reshaping wine and spirits from the vineyard to the boardroom

Women are making their mark across every level of the wine and spirits industry, from managing vineyards to leading companies at board level. This shift is reshaping how the sector operates and reflects broader changes in who's driving decisions in this traditionally male-dominated field. It's a story worth watching as diversity continues to reshape the industry's future.

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The Center of Innovation in Viticulture and Winemaking launched at the Technical University of Moldova

Moldova's Technical University has launched a new Centre of Innovation in Viticulture and Winemaking, marking a significant investment in the country's wine industry research and development. This initiative could help strengthen Moldova's position in the global wine market and drive improvements in production techniques and sustainability practices. It's an interesting development for those keeping an eye on emerging wine regions in Eastern Europe.

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