Digest #34

How is English wine really doing in 2026?

English wine production surged 55% in 2025 to 16.5 million bottles, with white wine output jumping 131%, according to new Food Standards Agency data. The harvest was exceptional, driven by record early summer heat in southern England, producing stronger quality indicators and higher yields across major varieties like Bacchus and Solaris. With 1,158 registered vineyards now in operation, over 10,000 people employed, and the sector valued at £14 billion, the industry has become a serious agricultural and economic force, underlined by The Real Review's latest rankings of Great Britain's top wineries, all of which came from England.

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Tins ain’t what they used to be: canned wine is no longer the preserve of Gen Z

Canned wine is shedding its Gen Z-only image and becoming a mainstream format choice across the UK market. Driven by sustainability benefits, portability, and social media marketing, brands like Nice and Vinca are now positioning cans as a practical alternative to traditional bottles, with over half of younger consumers actively influenced to try the format. The trend reflects broader industry shifts in how producers are packaging and marketing wine to environmentally conscious drinkers.

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English Wine Producers Face a Supply Glut After a Record 2025 Harvest

English wine producers are grappling with a supply surplus after harvesting record volumes in 2025. The bumper crop, whilst demonstrating the sector's growing vitality, is creating storage, cashflow and pricing challenges for producers as they navigate an oversupplied market. It's a classic boom-and-bust dynamic that'll be shaping business decisions across the English wine supply chain for months to come.

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UK Sommelier of the Year 2026 awarded to Emma Denney

Emma Denney, director of wine at Claridge's, has won the prestigious UK Sommelier of the Year 2026 title following a competitive two-day judging process. The award recognises excellence in sommelier expertise across the UK hospitality sector.

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Friarwood closes after 59 years

London's long-standing independent wine merchant Friarwood has closed both its shops and entered administration after 59 years in business. The closure highlights continued pressure on traditional independent retailers in the UK wine trade.

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Michelin’s First Winery Ratings Spark Backlash in Burgundy

Michelin, famous for rating restaurants, has launched its first winery ratings system in Burgundy. The new Michelin Grape Selection uses a three-tier award system based on overall estate quality rather than individual wines. The move has already sparked backlash in the region, suggesting the wine trade has concerns about how Michelin's methodology works and what impact it might have on the market.

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France Halts Its August Wine Harvest Forecast After Heat Waves Disrupt Vineyards

France has suspended its official August wine harvest forecast as persistent heat waves continue to disrupt vineyards across the country. The decision reflects uncertainty about crop size and quality as volatile weather conditions make reliable predictions impossible at present. This matters to importers and traders across Europe who rely on French harvest data to plan supply, pricing and inventory for the coming season.

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Rare opportunity beckons as established Rioja brands go under the hammer

Four established Rioja brands, including Federico Paternina and Marqués de la Concordia, are heading to auction later this month as part of insolvency proceedings affecting the United Wineries group. The international auction offers buyers a chance to acquire heritage brands with strong market presence and international distribution rather than building their own from scratch. The portfolio generated €18.49 million in normalised sales between 2019 and 2021, highlighting their commercial value and potential for future growth under new ownership.

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U.S. Wine Trade Alliance Urges Trump to Spare European Wine From New Tariffs

The U.S. Wine Trade Alliance is pushing the Trump administration to keep European wines off the table in any new tariff plans. It's a timely move as trade policy shifts could significantly impact EU wine exports to America, one of the world's largest wine markets. This story matters for anyone selling into the U.S., as tariff decisions will reshape pricing and competitiveness across the Atlantic.

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Inside Pomerol's Best-Kept Secret

A Bordeaux winemaker who runs five estates and a historic négociant house has an unlikely background, having previously worked selling Cartier jewellery before pivoting to the wine trade in Pomerol. The story explores his journey and current operations in one of Bordeaux's most prestigious regions.

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Bacteria from Antarctica Protect Vines from Frost - Approval Expected by Year-End

Scientists have discovered that bacteria from Antarctica can dramatically reduce frost damage in vineyards, cutting losses by 80% even at minus 4 degrees Celsius. The bacteria work by preventing ice formation on vines while remaining completely biodegradable and harmless to the vineyard's natural ecosystem. Regulatory approval is expected by the end of the year, which could soon make this a game-changer for frost-threatened regions around the world.

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Actor and wine champion Sam Neill dies aged 78

Sam Neill, the acclaimed actor and founder of Two Paddocks winery in Central Otago, has died aged 78. Neill was a passionate advocate for New Zealand wine for over 30 years, consistently promoting Central Otago as a world-class Pinot Noir region comparable to Burgundy. Just days before his death, he was named a Fellow of New Zealand Winegrowers in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the industry.

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Australia's Winegrape Harvest Fell to Its Smallest Level in More Than 25 Years

Australia's winegrape harvest has hit its smallest volume in over 25 years, marking a significant contraction in the country's wine production. The collapse will likely have ripple effects across global wine supply chains, affecting importers, distributors and retailers who rely on Australian fruit and finished wines. This is important context for anyone sourcing from or doing business with the region.

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To make wine is to believe in the future: the Ukrainians growing grapes on the frontline

Ukrainian winemaker Mykhailo Molchanov is tending his organic vines at Steppe Wines in southern Ukraine, doing what he can to keep his business alive despite ongoing military conflict nearby. Growing grapes directly into the region's biodiverse steppe grassland, Molchanov represents a wider determination among Ukrainian producers to maintain their vineyards and protect the country's emerging wine sector through the war. It's a striking example of how geopolitical disruption affects wine producers in real time.

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Boomers become the generation of moderation

Baby boomers are drinking less alcohol than previous generations at the same age, marking a significant shift in consumption patterns. This trend has implications for wine sales and marketing strategies, as producers and retailers adjust to changing preferences among one of the industry's most important demographic groups.

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