Digest #6

After sparkling success, English still wines build their reputation (paywall)

English still wines are finally getting their moment in the spotlight after years of English sparkling wine dominating the conversation. The Times is covering how producers are building credibility in the still wine category, which suggests there's real momentum behind this shift in the UK wine industry. Worth keeping an eye on – this could be a significant story for how English wine's reputation is expanding beyond just bubbles.

Read full article

Global momentum 

English sparkling wine is having a proper moment - it's just notched up 35% export growth and now the Réunion des Gastronomes has ditched Champagne for the first time at their annual banquet, serving Greyfriars Reserve Rosé instead. WineGB's boss took the opportunity to highlight how the UK's punishingly high wine duty is holding the industry back compared to how other European governments support theirs.

Read full article

UK wine industry hails 'outstanding' 2025 harvest as output hits 16m bottles

UK wine producers are celebrating a cracking 2025 harvest, with output hitting 16 million bottles – described as 'outstanding' by the industry. This is proper good news for English wine, showing the sector's really gaining momentum. It's the kind of production figure that signals the UK wine industry is maturing and becoming a serious player.

Read full article

Economy: Italy gives green light for non-alcoholic wine

Italy's just given the thumbs up for non-alcoholic wine production, which is a pretty significant regulatory shift for the EU wine industry. It's interesting timing given the growing consumer demand for low and no-alcohol options across Europe, so this could open the door for other member states to follow suit. Worth keeping an eye on how this affects the broader market and whether it sparks any pushback from traditional producers.

Read full article

‘Too important not to fight for’: Spain’s wine industry seeks infusion of new blood

Spain's wine industry is actively working to attract younger talent to the sector, recognising it's too crucial to let slip. The Guardian piece looks at recruitment and generational challenges that are affecting how Spanish wineries operate and plan for the future. Worth a read if you're interested in how EU wine regions are tackling the skills gap and succession planning.

Read full article

Geisenheim Study Shows the Importance of Wine Tourism

Geisenheim University—one of Germany's top wine research institutes—has released a study highlighting just how crucial wine tourism is to the industry's bottom line. It's worth keeping an eye on since wine tourism is a massive revenue driver across EU wine regions, from Bordeaux to the Mosel Valley, and understanding its economic impact could shape how regions invest in visitor experiences going forward.

Read full article

Andrew Jefford: 'I wandered towards the cobalt Adriatic inlet next to the vineyards and looked back...'

Andrew Jefford's got a lovely travel piece in Decanter about Croatian wine country, specifically the Dalmatian coast around Primošten. He's chatting with local winemakers and oenology professors, exploring how the region's limestone soils and Adriatic setting shape wines like Babić – it's the kind of intimate, character-driven feature that reminds you why EU wine regions are so diverse and worth paying attention to.

Read full article

#104 – Xavier Jean: owner of Couvent des Jacobins

Xavier Jean, fourth-generation owner of Couvent des Jacobins in Saint-Émilion, sat down for an in-depth chat about building a respected Grand Cru Classé estate and launching his bold Merlot project, Calicem, outside the traditional classification. It's a fascinating look at how family-run Bordeaux estates balance staying true to their terroir and philosophy whilst expanding internationally—he's even got markets sorted in Asia—without getting caught up in chasing trends.

Read full article