Digest #33

The Buyer | WineGB's Nicola Bates on what UK wine industry needs to do next

WineGB's chief executive Nicola Bates discusses what lies ahead for the UK wine industry following English Wine Week and ahead of the sector's annual conference. In this interview, she shares her perspective on the biggest opportunities and challenges facing British wine producers, plus reflects on what she's achieved in nearly three years leading the organisation. It's a chance to hear directly from industry leadership about where the UK wine sector is headed.

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Gusbourne releases rare cellar wines to mark 20th vintage

English sparkling wine producer Gusbourne is celebrating 20 years of winemaking by releasing rare bottles from its cellar, including just four bottles from its very first vintage in 2006. The limited Cellar Release collection comprises around 250 bottles drawn from parcels held back over two decades, with prices ranging from £45 to £105, and it's available exclusively to members from mid-July through early August 2026.

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Heatwaves are ruining French vineyards - while English wine enjoys a golden age

French vineyards are facing serious challenges from intensifying heatwaves, whilst English winemakers are thriving in what's being called a golden age for the industry. The dramatic shift highlights how climate patterns are reshaping European wine production, with traditional powerhouses struggling whilst UK producers benefit from changing conditions and seize their moment in the market.

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What’s working in mid-strength wine

A new category of lower-alcohol wines under 9% ABV is gaining traction in the UK, with celebrity-backed products like Kylie Minogue's Petite Rosé (7% ABV) becoming bestsellers in major supermarkets. Retailers like Sainsbury's are now dedicating shelf space to these 'mid-strength' wines, and major brands including 19 Crimes and Casillero del Diablo have launched their own versions. However, industry insiders suggest consumers are drawn more to celebrity endorsements and lifestyle positioning than to the alcohol level itself, even if they appreciate the lower ABV as an added benefit.

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New Zealander named UK Sommelier of the Year

Emma Denney, Director of Wine at Claridge's in London, has been crowned the 2026 UK Sommelier of the Year, beating a record 39 competitors in the multi-day competition. The 33-year-old New Zealander, who oversees a wine list of over 1,500 bins at the prestigious hotel, also won the 2024 UK Ruinart Challenge and is working towards her Master Sommelier qualification. It's the highest number of contestants in the competition's history, with Dolly Chao and Wilem Powell from Mayfair establishments taking second and third place respectively.

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Wildfires in France Destroy Vineyards - Severe Damage in the South, in Burgundy and along the Loire

Devastating wildfires have torn through vineyards across southern France, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley, destroying vines including some long-established plantings. The damage has raised alarm bells about the compounding threat of extreme heat and drought, which could spell further losses for French wine producers in coming months.

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Italian Wine Stocks Surge to a Record 53 Million Hectoliters

Italy's wine stocks have reached record levels at 53 million hectolitres, revealing mounting pressure on producers from sluggish domestic demand and declining exports. The oversupply is forcing wineries to grapple with inventory challenges in an increasingly competitive EU market. This situation highlights the difficult headwinds facing European winemakers as they navigate weaker sales and market saturation.

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Flavescence dorée spreads strongly in Slovakia - Three quarters of all vineyards declared quarantine zone

Slovakia's wine industry is facing a serious challenge as Flavescence dorée, a devastating vine disease, continues to spread rapidly across the country. Three quarters of all vineyard areas have now been declared quarantine zones in response to the outbreak. Austrian winemakers are also watching closely and expressing frustration that control measures aren't being implemented quickly enough, suggesting the disease could threaten neighbouring regions too.

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Will Bordeaux feel the heat over irrigation rules?

Bordeaux is facing a major test of its irrigation rules as scorching temperatures hit 40°C this summer. Château Lafleur, which quit the Pomerol AOC and Bordeaux designation last year over irrigation restrictions, has already started watering its vines in June. The question now is whether the appellations will relax their strict rules before damage is done, or whether the allowance will come too late like it did last year.

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Austria: Vineyard classification could be unconstitutional - Constitutional Court criticizes the role of the National Wine Committee

Austria's Constitutional Court is examining the country's vineyard classification system and has raised concerns about how the National Wine Committee operates within the legal framework. The court's questioning of the committee's role suggests potential constitutional issues with the current procedure, which could lead to significant changes in how Austrian vineyards are classified and regulated.

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Report Says Global Alcohol Consumption Could Fall by Half by 2050

A new report suggests global alcohol consumption could be cut in half by 2050, signalling a significant shift in drinking habits worldwide. This trend reflects growing consumer focus on health and wellness, which has major implications for wine producers everywhere. Understanding this long-term forecast helps industry professionals plan for changing market demand and shifting consumer preferences.

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How Weight Loss is Hitting Wine

Weight-loss drugs are emerging as a potential threat to wine consumption, though hard data on the impact isn't yet available. As these medications become more popular, industry watchers are expecting clearer evidence soon about how they'll affect drinking habits and wine sales. It's a trend worth monitoring, especially as these drugs continue to gain wider adoption.

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Study Finds Cabernet Vines Develop Drought Memory

New research has found that Cabernet Sauvignon vines can develop a 'drought memory', potentially helping them adapt better to water stress. This discovery could be significant for vineyard managers across Europe as they navigate increasingly challenging weather patterns and work towards more sustainable growing practices. It's a reminder that understanding vine biology can help winemakers prepare for climate-related challenges ahead.

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El Niño: How it will impact food and beverage

El Niño weather patterns are set to push temperatures higher and disrupt rainfall across the globe, with forecasters even predicting a 'super El Niño' event. The wine industry will need to prepare for droughts and changing growing conditions that could affect everything from grape ripening to yields, making climate adaptation strategies more important than ever for producers.

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The Asian Wine Market Few Exporters Are Watching

Mongolia's wine import market has nearly doubled in recent years, yet it remains largely overlooked by the international wine industry. France has already seized the opportunity and become the country's leading wine supplier, suggesting there's significant untapped potential for other exporters willing to look beyond the usual Asian markets like China and Southeast Asia.

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