Digest #45

One year to DRS: is the industry ready?

With October 2027 marking the UK's Deposit Return Scheme launch, the countdown is officially on for drinks producers, retailers and suppliers. This overhaul of the UK's packaging system represents one of the biggest regulatory changes in decades, and industry players are already gearing up for implementation. If you're involved in wine production or retail, it's time to start understanding how DRS will reshape your operations.

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Yorkshire vineyards embrace merlot as climate changes

Yorkshire vineyards are responding to shifting climate patterns by planting merlot, a warmer-climate grape variety that thrives in the region's evolving conditions. This strategic move reflects how UK wine producers are adapting their vineyard management and varietals to make the most of changing growing seasons. It's a practical example of the wine industry's real-time adjustment to climate realities.

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SFI 2026: What’s in it for vineyards?

UK vineyards now have a clearer pathway to access the government's Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme, with the second application window opening on 22 September. Although SFI was primarily designed for arable and livestock farms, viticulturists can tap into funding through horticultural permanent crop schemes. Hutchinsons' head of environmental services outlines specific actions vineyard operators should consider when applying.

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Raising a glass to the wine aisle

2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for UK wine, with English vineyards hitting record harvests while younger drinkers are increasingly gravitating towards no and low-alcohol options, flavoured cans, and smaller bottle formats. Major brands are ramping up investment to secure shelf space in independent retailers, signalling a significant shift in how the industry is competing for consumer attention across the country.

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Family vineyard near Harrogate launches its latest Yorkshire-grown wine

A family-run vineyard near Harrogate has unveiled its latest wine, adding to Yorkshire's growing reputation as a serious wine-producing region. The launch reflects the expanding success of English viticulture outside the traditional south-coast heartland. It's a nice indicator of how local wine producers are establishing themselves and building their portfolios in an increasingly competitive UK market.

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French wine production to plummet in 2026

French wine production is expected to drop sharply in 2026, signalling potential supply challenges ahead for the industry. This forecast could have significant implications for pricing and availability across the market. It's worth keeping an eye on as we approach 2026 to understand how vineyards are responding to whatever challenges are driving this projected decline.

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Can alcohol-free wine save European wineries?

European wineries are increasingly turning to alcohol-free wine production as a potential lifeline amid changing consumer habits and market pressures. The question of whether this category can genuinely support the traditional wine industry reveals how producers are adapting their business models to stay competitive. It's a shift worth watching if you're tracking where the European wine market is heading.

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This Italian White Wine Is Having a Serious Comeback

An Italian white wine is experiencing a significant revival in the market, signalling renewed interest from consumers and industry players alike. This comeback reflects shifting preferences and presents opportunities for producers and retailers stocking these wines. It's a trend worth watching if you're involved in sourcing, merchandising or forecasting wine category performance.

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Languedoc harvest: Wet winter allows for vineyard resilience following summer heat

Languedoc's harvest is wrapping up with some positive news for producers. Thanks to a wet winter that helped vineyards bounce back from summer heat, estates are reporting strong quality white grapes and a solid overall red harvest, according to the region's trade body.

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How Planeta Is Bringing a Contemporary Lens to Wine

Planeta, the European wine producer, has launched a new framework for presenting wine through a contemporary lens, developed through a multidisciplinary meeting in 2025. The initiative aims to tell wine's story in modern ways whilst staying true to principles that have always defined the brand. It's a smart move showing how even traditional winemakers are adapting to speak to today's audiences.

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Why declining wine sales are putting pressure on grape owners

Declining wine sales are squeezing grape growers hard, putting real pressure on vineyard owners across the region. As consumer demand softens, grape producers are facing tighter margins and reduced demand for their harvests. It's a reminder that market slowdowns ripple quickly through the entire wine supply chain.

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Idaho vineyard harvest is mixed so far

Idaho's 2026 grape harvest is delivering inconsistent results across the state's vineyards, with some growers experiencing better outcomes than others. The mixed performance reflects varying conditions throughout the growing season and will likely influence the quality and character of wines produced from this vintage. It's worth keeping an eye on how these harvest results shape Idaho's reputation as a quality wine region.

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Kennedy to participate in EPA’s review glyphosate

The EPA is reviewing glyphosate with Kennedy's participation, which could reshape herbicide regulations affecting vineyards across North America. This regulatory scrutiny matters for wine producers who rely on glyphosate for vineyard management and weed control. Staying informed about this review's progress will be important as it may influence your pest management strategies and input costs down the road.

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What Grapevines Can Tell Us About Fighting Smoke Taint

Scientists are examining how grapevines respond to smoke stress, which could lead to new strategies for protecting vineyards and salvaging affected wines. This research offers hope for winemakers facing increasingly frequent wildfires and the persistent challenge of smoke taint that's been plaguing North American producers. Understanding the biology behind smoke damage might unlock practical tools to either prevent the problem or treat wines after the fact.

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‘Wine Bar’ Restaurants Have Taken Hold In the U.S. The Trend Is Spreading Globally.

Wine bar restaurants that prioritise exceptional wine programmes alongside food have become a major force in American dining, and this trend is now spreading globally. Recent James Beard Foundation awards recognised several standout examples, including LA's Kato for best wine programme and NYC's Lei as best new restaurant, signalling how influential these wine-focused establishments have become. As the concept expands internationally, it's reshaping how restaurants approach their beverage strategies and hospitality offerings.

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Behind the bottle: VIK 2023

The Drinks Business takes an in-depth look at VIK's 2023 vintage, exploring the winemaking decisions and story behind the acclaimed Chilean producer's latest release. It's a candid look at how one of South America's leading estates approaches quality and production in a competitive fine wine market.

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Argentina Reloaded: why countries need to communicate the cool things they are doing

Jamie Goode attended Argentina's 'Argentina Reloaded' event in London, which highlighted the country's push to tell a more compelling and contemporary story about its wines to international markets. The event demonstrates how wine countries are increasingly recognising the importance of proactive communication to shape their image and stand out in a crowded global marketplace. It's a reminder that producing great wine is only half the battle, communications and positioning matter just as much.

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Berkmann adds historic Argentine producer Rutini to its portfolio

UK wine distributor Berkmann Wine Cellars has added historic Argentine winemaker Rutini Wines to its portfolio. The move expands Berkmann's South American range and gives the heritage producer greater access to the British market.

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Viña González Bastías, Maule Valley, Chile: exciting naturally made wines from an amazing old vineyard

A small Chilean winery in the Maule Valley is making waves with naturally fermented wines from a historic six-hectare vineyard. Run by Jose Luís Bastías and Daniela Lorenzo, Viña González Bastías represents the exciting intersection of heritage viticulture and natural winemaking methods that's reshaping South America's wine landscape. It's a compelling example of how traditional vineyards are finding new relevance through innovative, hands-on production approaches.

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New Zealand Wine Exports Rise Boosted by Asia

New Zealand's wine exports are surging, with shipments to mainland China jumping 72% by volume. Strong gains across the broader Asian market are helping offset softer performance in New Zealand's largest export market, suggesting a significant shift in where the region's wines are finding demand and driving overall export growth.

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World-leading wine voices confirmed for Hawke’s Bay conference

The Great Wine Capitals International Annual Conference is coming to Napier this October, with Dr John Barker, Director General of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, confirmed as the headline speaker for Knowledge Day. Barker, a New Zealander and the first Southern Hemisphere-elected OIV Director General, will join an impressive roster of international wine industry figures at what promises to be a significant gathering for wine professionals in the region.

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Australian Wine Battles Boom and Bust

Australian wine producers are grappling with the familiar problem of market cycles that swing between periods of rapid growth and sharp downturns. The industry's boom-and-bust pattern presents ongoing challenges for sustainability and long-term planning, as producers work to stabilise their businesses and build more resilient markets.

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Once abandoned vineyard crowned Best Medium Sized Winery at 2026 Barossa Wine Show

An abandoned vineyard in the Barossa has made a remarkable comeback, claiming the Best Medium Sized Winery award at the 2026 Barossa Wine Show. The win highlights both the quality of the region's wines and the dedication of producers bringing neglected vineyards back to life. It's an encouraging sign for the continued vitality of South Australia's premier wine region.

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Agrochemical Update – How to ‘rest’ vineyards with ethephon

The Australian Wine Research Institute has released guidance on using ethephon to strategically rest vineyard blocks this season by reducing yield and cutting back on water, nutrients, and spray applications. This practical agrochemical update covers the how, when, and where of implementing this vineyard management technique, offering useful timing for growers planning their current season's operations.

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The government is helping wine farms face climate change. Is it enough?

South Africa's government is backing wine farmers with climate change support measures, but the question remains whether the assistance goes far enough to protect the industry from increasing environmental pressures. The country's wine sector, crucial to its economy, is grappling with climate volatility that threatens production, making government intervention timely and important. This story explores what help is actually on offer and whether it'll adequately shield farms from the climate challenges ahead.

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Groot Constantia appoints new CEO

Groot Constantia has appointed Dr Edo Heyns as its new CEO, taking over from Jean Naudé on 19 October 2026 after a handover period. Heyns joins the prestigious South African estate from Allée Bleue, where he's been CEO since March 2024, while Naudé will retire on 30 November following more than two decades leading the historic property.

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Put your old vines to the test

South Africa's NFB Old Vine Report is now accepting entries for its third year, with wines to be judged in a blind tasting by a panel including Wine Magazine editor Christian Eedes and industry specialists. The competition aims to showcase which old-vine wines deliver the most impressive results in the glass. If you've got older vines worth celebrating, it's worth considering a submission.

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Editorial: The great wine glass con

An editorial from Wine Magazine South Africa challenges the long-standing industry narrative that expensive wine glasses are essential for proper wine appreciation. The piece argues that while quality glassware does matter, the wine industry has oversold the transformative power of pricey vessels, questioning whether consumers are getting conned by marketing that promises specially shaped glasses will concentrate flavours and elevate the drinking experience. It's a refreshing reality check on one of wine's most persistent marketing myths.

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Greg Sherwood MW: 2021 – the Cape’s next great Cab vintage

Master of Wine Greg Sherwood argues that South Africa's 2021 vintage is shaping up to be the Cape's next exceptional Cabernet year, following in the footsteps of the celebrated 2015 and 2017 vintages. The piece joins ongoing industry debate about which recent years represent the region's finest expressions of the varietal. It's a must-read for anyone tracking quality trends in South African Cabernet.

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The Old Vine Registry Launches the OVR Seal

The Old Vine Registry has launched its new OVR Seal, a certification mark designed to authenticate and recognise wines from genuinely old vineyards. This standardised seal helps consumers identify legitimate old-vine wines and gives producers credibility for their heritage vineyard claims. It's a significant move as the old-vine category continues to grow in popularity and commercial value across the global wine market.

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Can Science Solve Smoke Taint?

As wildfires continue to threaten vineyards around the world, Chris Boiling explores whether science can help solve the growing problem of smoke taint in wines. The article investigates emerging solutions to what's become an increasingly urgent challenge for winemakers facing wildfire seasons. It's a timely look at how the industry might combat one of today's most pressing quality issues.

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📺Gen Z Is Drinking More Than You’ve Been Told – This Week Uncorked Episode 115

New research suggests Gen Z is actually drinking more than industry reports have indicated, challenging assumptions that this generation is abstaining from alcohol at higher rates than their predecessors. This week's episode examines what's really driving Gen Z consumption patterns and why the data might look different than headlines suggest. It's worth a listen if you're developing strategies around this crucial demographic.

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AI Won’t Just Change the Tools Wineries Use. It Could Change How They Work

Artificial intelligence isn't just giving wineries new software to play with—it could reshape how they actually operate from the ground up. Rather than simply automating individual tasks, AI has the potential to change workflows, decision-making processes, and the way teams collaborate across vineyards and cellars. It's worth understanding what that deeper transformation might look like as the technology becomes more embedded in the industry.

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Google loosens rules for wine and alcohol advertising - Personalized advertising on YouTube allowed from end of October

Google's relaxing its advertising rules for wine and alcohol brands. From the end of October, you'll be able to run personalised ads on YouTube in countries where it's permitted, opening up new targeting opportunities for your marketing campaigns. This is a notable shift that could help wine businesses reach their audiences more effectively on one of the world's largest video platforms.

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