News Articles - Wine Industry Digest

Michel Rolland, Pioneering Winemaker Who Shaped Global Tastes, Dies at 78

European Union Unveils €40 Million Aid Package for Struggling French Wine Producers

Europe Vinetur News

The European Union has announced a €40 million support package aimed at helping French wine producers who are currently facing significant difficulties. This substantial aid package reflects growing concerns about the health of Europe's wine industry and shows how policymakers are stepping in to support struggling producers during challenging times.

French Scientists Use Machine Learning to Authenticate Champagne and Burgundy Origins With 100% Accuracy

Europe Vinetur News

French scientists have developed a machine learning system that can authenticate Champagne and Burgundy wines with complete accuracy. The breakthrough technology could be a game-changer in the fight against counterfeit wines, protecting two of the world's most prestigious (and frequently forged) wine regions. This innovation highlights how the wine industry is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to verify authenticity and safeguard the integrity of protected designations of origin.

Cognac Producers Request €40 Million in EU Aid After Chinese Tariffs Slash Exports

Europe Vinetur News

Cognac producers in France are seeking €40 million in emergency EU funding after Chinese tariffs have devastated their export markets. The tariffs have significantly slashed shipments to China, one of the world's most important markets for premium spirits. This aid request highlights how trade tensions are reshaping the European wine and spirits industry's global sales landscape.

Liv-ex Launches API to Streamline Access to JancisRobinson.com Wine Scores

UK Vinetur News

Liv-ex has launched an API that makes it easier for wine professionals to access Jancis Robinson's renowned wine scores directly from the platform. This integration simplifies workflows for traders and merchants who use both Liv-ex's fine wine marketplace and Jancis Robinson's critical ratings, combining two key industry resources into one seamless system.

Scientists Identify 600-Year-Old Pinot Noir Seed in Medieval French Hospital

Europe Vinetur News

Scientists have discovered a remarkably preserved Pinot Noir seed dating back 600 years in a medieval French hospital, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of one of Europe's most celebrated grape varieties. The find provides rare evidence of the grape's cultivation and importance in France during the medieval period. It's a wonderful reminder of how deeply rooted Pinot Noir is in European wine heritage.

Pompeii Revives Ancient Vineyards in Archaeological Park to Reconnect with Its Cultural Heritage

Raats new releases

South Africa winemag.co.za Oct 8, 2026 News

Raats has released some new wines that are getting attention in South African wine circles. The full details on what they've bottled and how they're tasting aren't fully available in this piece, but it's worth keeping an eye on the winery's latest offerings if you're following what's happening in the Cape region.

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Indevin Group announces strategic partnership with EuroVintage

Australia & New Zealand The Shout Oct 7, 2026 News

Indevin Group has announced a strategic partnership with EuroVintage, marking a significant step forward in their domestic market strategy. The collaboration brings together two established players to strengthen their position in the ANZ wine region. It's the kind of industry partnership that typically reshapes distribution and market reach for both parties involved.

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Tasmania celebrates a remarkable sparkling milestone

Australia & New Zealand Gourmetontheroad Oct 7, 2026 News

Tasmania's sparkling wine producers have just celebrated a remarkable production milestone, reflecting the region's growing status as a serious player in Australia's premium sparkling category. The achievement underscores Tasmania's reputation for producing high-quality, elegant fizz that's increasingly gaining recognition both domestically and internationally. It's a significant moment for the island state's wine industry and speaks to the confidence winemakers have in the region's sparkling potential.

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How Are Distributors Shifting To Cover RNDC’s Markets?

North America Park Street Oct 6, 2026 News

The wine and spirits distribution landscape is shifting dramatically as major distributors move to fill the gap left by RNDC's exit from the market. Beer distributors, particularly Reyes Beverage Group, are stepping in to ensure RNDC's brands keep reaching retailers and consumers. This historic reset could reshape how producers and distributors work together across the U.S.

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Family vineyard near Harrogate launches its latest Yorkshire-grown wine

UK Harrogate Advertiser Oct 6, 2026 News

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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Majestic: Tesco named among bidders competing to buy wine retailer

UK Harpers Wine & Spirit Oct 5, 2026 News

Tesco has thrown its hat in the ring to bid for Majestic Wine Group in an ongoing auction process, according to reports from Sky News. The supermarket giant's interest highlights how major retailers are vying to consolidate the UK wine market and expand their wine offerings. This potential acquisition could reshape how wines reach consumers across Britain.

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Frozen vines in alpine peaks: making award-winning ice wine in Yunnan

You might also like The Drinks Business Oct 2, 2026 News

China's Yunnan province is making waves in the ice wine world, producing award-winning bottles from frozen vines in alpine locations. The region's high-altitude climate is proving ideal for this premium category, marking an interesting development in China's growing reputation for quality wine production.

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Idaho vineyard harvest is mixed so far

North America Capital Press Oct 1, 2026 News

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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The Old Vine Registry Launches the OVR Seal

You might also like Wine Industry Advisor Oct 1, 2026 News

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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Berkmann adds historic Argentine producer Rutini to its portfolio

South America Harpers Wine & Spirit Sep 30, 2026 News

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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Behind the bottle: VIK 2023

South America The Drinks Business Sep 29, 2026 News

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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Groot Constantia appoints new CEO

South Africa winemag.co.za Sep 28, 2026 News

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

Europe Harpers Wine & Spirit Sep 28, 2026 News

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.

Read more From Digest #45