Digest #38

WineGB Optimistic for Strong Fruit Quality and Volumes Ahead of 2026 Harvest 

WineGB is predicting a strong 2026 harvest for English and Welsh wines, with producers reporting healthy vineyards and good fruit ripening following a stable summer, despite some isolated frost damage. The trade body's CEO praised growers' management skills in navigating an extreme season that included frost, hailstorms and a heatwave, though she cautioned that the final outcome depends on conditions in the coming weeks. The industry is being urged to champion domestic wines and visit local vineyards, with WineGB hosting its annual trade tasting on 7 September in London.

Read full article

UK hosepipe ban update: Nine water companies imposing hosepipe bans as drought deepens

Nine water companies across England and Wales have now imposed temporary use bans as drought conditions intensify. The restrictions will impact vineyard irrigation, cellar cleaning, and hospitality operations across affected regions, creating operational challenges for producers and venues reliant on reliable water supply during what's typically a critical period for harvest preparation and service.

Read full article

North Yorkshire vineyard backs call for tax relief on cellar door sales

A North Yorkshire vineyard is lending its voice to calls for tax relief on cellar door sales, the direct-to-consumer channel that's become increasingly important for UK wine producers. The campaign highlights how tax treatment of vineyard visits and direct sales affects producer margins and competitiveness. It's part of a broader industry push to improve the economics of UK wine production through targeted tax policy changes.

Read full article

Gourmet on the Road: Travelling, eating and drinking with Winsor Dobbin: London railway station to produce wineWinsor Dobbin: Gourmet On The Road

A London railway station is being converted into a wine production facility, marking an interesting expansion of English wine production into urban spaces. This represents a growing trend of investment in UK wine infrastructure and production capacity, bringing commercial winemaking to an unexpected venue in the capital. It's a significant development for the emerging English wine sector.

Read full article

Almost three-quarters of England in drought as horticulture calls for water resilience

Drought conditions are intensifying across England, with over 71% of the country now officially in drought. The government is calling it a 'flash drought' caused by unusually low rainfall and higher temperatures. For England's growing wine regions, this could spell challenges for irrigation, harvest planning, and vineyard health in the months ahead.

Read full article

U.S. slump drove nearly 60% of Italy's wine export losses

Italy's wine exports have taken a substantial hit, with nearly 60% of the country's export losses driven by a slump in the US market. This underscores how heavily Italian producers depend on American demand and signals broader challenges for EU wine trade with North America. The data offers a useful snapshot of where the current market pressure is coming from.

Read full article

WHO's push for higher alcohol taxes deepens Europe's policy divide

The World Health Organisation is pushing European governments to raise taxes on alcohol, but member states are split on how to respond. Wine industry professionals across the EU need to pay attention to this emerging policy divide, as higher alcohol duties could materially affect production costs, import tariffs and retail pricing in key markets.

Read full article

Burgundy overtakes Bordeaux as most traded region

Burgundy has overtaken Bordeaux as the most-traded wine region by value in a single month for the first time since 2022, according to new analysis from Liv-ex. The shift marks a significant change in fine wine market dynamics between two of the world's most prestigious regions.

Read full article

Champagne Harvest Earliest Ever

Champagne has recorded its earliest harvest ever, a significant milestone for the historic region. The unusually early pick reflects the impact of changing climate conditions on traditional wine-growing areas and could have implications for production volumes and vintage character. It's a story worth watching for what it signals about how France's top producers are adapting to shifts in growing seasons.

Read full article

Rioja from 2026 with less alcohol and new categories - New: "Vendimia temprana" and partial de-alcoholization

Spain's Rioja region is loosening its rules from the 2026 vintage, allowing Classic Rioja wines to contain less alcohol and be partially de-alcoholized for the first time. The rules also introduce a new 'Vendimia temprana' (early harvest) category for younger Riojas. Interestingly, the aged categories—Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva—remain unchanged. This reflects the region's response to consumer demand for lower alcohol wines and the challenges of earlier harvests in warming climates.

Read full article

Extreme heat compresses the 2026 wine harvest worldwide

Extreme heat is compressing the 2026 wine harvest worldwide, bringing forward vintage dates and potentially creating ripple effects across production and supply chains. This early harvest comes as the industry grapples with climate volatility, affecting everything from winemaking decisions to inventory planning. Producers, importers and retailers will need to adjust their strategies as the growing season accelerates globally.

Read full article

South Korea Wine Imports: Imports Fall by Volume but Rise in Value in H1 2026

South Korea's wine import market is undergoing a notable shift, with total volumes declining in the first half of 2026 even as the overall value of imports rises. This suggests traders are increasingly focusing on premium wines rather than bulk volume. Chile has lost its position as the country's largest supplier by volume, whilst the United States maintains its unusual second-place ranking by value. The data points to changing consumer preferences and shifting supply dynamics in this important Asian market.

Read full article

US write-down hits Treasury Wine Estates hard as it reports AU$1 billion loss

Treasury Wine Estates has reported a AU$1 billion loss in its latest financial results, driven largely by a significant write-down in its US operations. The Australian wine giant, which owns brands including Penfolds and Beaulieu Vineyard, faces mounting pressures in one of its key markets. This will have ripple effects across UK and EU importers and retailers who stock TWE's extensive portfolio.

Read full article

Climate Changes Wreaks Havoc On Wine Industry

Climate change continues to pose serious challenges to the global wine industry, affecting everything from growing conditions to harvest outcomes. The article explores how shifting environmental patterns are reshaping winemaking practices and supply chains worldwide. It's a timely look at one of the biggest long-term pressures facing producers and traders.

Read full article

SA govt moves to strengthen state’s wine industry amid global challenges

South Africa's government is taking steps to bolster its wine industry as producers face mounting global pressures. The move underscores the challenges facing wine exporters worldwide and shows how state support is becoming increasingly important for maintaining competitiveness in key producing regions. For those importing from or trading with South African producers, this is worth keeping an eye on.

Read full article