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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 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 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.
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.
Michel Rolland, the legendary winemaking consultant who revolutionised global wine production and influenced how millions of people taste wine, has passed away at the age of 78. Known for advising top vineyards across France, Bordeaux and beyond, Rolland's fingerprints are on some of the world's most celebrated wines. His innovative approach to winemaking and consultancy became a defining force in the modern wine industry.
Pompeii is bringing its ancient vineyards back to life within the archaeological park, reconnecting visitors with the region's wine heritage. This revival project documents and recreates historical viticulture practices from Roman times, offering a fascinating glimpse into how wine was produced thousands of years ago. It's a wonderful example of how Italy's wine regions are celebrating their deep cultural roots alongside modern winemaking.
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.
A legendary English vineyard is being put up for sale at £4 million following the death of a prominent wine pioneer who helped establish the UK wine industry. The sale marks a significant moment in English viticulture, as established producers change hands and the sector continues to evolve.
A Shiraz from Frankland River in Western Australia's Great Southern region has won Best in Show at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards, marking a breakthrough moment for the lesser-known wine area. The winning wine is priced at AU$40, making the achievement particularly significant as it shows that quality and prestige aren't confined to premium price points or famous regions. The win puts a spotlight on Western Australia's emerging wine areas and offers a compelling story for importers and retailers looking for distinctive, award-winning wines.
Vittorio Frescobaldi, the Marquis who transformed Tuscan viticulture and built Frescobaldi into one of Italy's most important wine brands globally, has died aged 97 in Florence. His influence on modern wine production in Tuscany left a lasting mark on the region's industry and the wider wine trade.
The Jura's Arbois appellation is celebrating 90 years, but the region's anniversary coincides with what industry observers are calling a growing disconnect between market conditions and producer realities. Despite what appears to be a buoyant market on the surface, there's clearly tension beneath, hinting at challenges facing one of France's most characterful wine regions.
The 2026 WineGB Awards have revealed a decisive shift in English and Welsh winemaking, with judges praising world-class quality across sparkling and still wines. Langham Wine Estate claimed Supreme Champion and multiple trophies including Best Sparkling for its Corallian Classic Cuvée (99 points), while still wines proved a major standout, with Blackbook Winery's Pygmalion Chardonnay scoring 97 points for Best Still Wine and Balfour's Bacchus earning 96 points. The results underscore growing technical sophistication and diversity in UK production, from established producers to newcomers like Abingworth Vineyard making strong debuts.
Record summer heat is pushing England's wine growers toward one of their earliest harvests in years. The warmer conditions are accelerating grape ripening across UK vineyards, which could yield both higher sugar levels and earlier picking schedules than producers typically plan for. It's another sign of how climate shifts are reshaping British viticulture.
Luke Harbor is moving from his role as group beverage director at The Pig Hotels to become general manager at Bolney Wine Estate in Sussex. The appointment reflects growing confidence in the UK wine production sector and shows how expertise from the hospitality trade is feeding into the wine industry.
More than half of New Zealand's Gisborne vineyards are being pulled out, according to the NZ Herald. Described as 'pretty bleak' by those affected, the mass vineyard removal signals serious distress in one of the country's major wine regions. This represents a significant reshaping of global wine production capacity and reflects the broader challenges facing vineyard operators worldwide.
Champagne growers have started their earliest harvest on record following devastating spring frosts that destroyed 43% of this year's potential production. The catastrophic frost damage will significantly constrain supply across the region and is likely to create ripple effects throughout the import, distribution and retail sectors relying on Champagne stock.
A UK vineyard that supplied wine for King Charles's Coronation has been listed for sale at £4 million. The estate's royal connection highlights the prestige of English wine producers and their growing recognition in high-profile events, though the listing focuses as much on the property value as the wine business itself.
Portugal has reached a milestone in its wine industry with Tiago Macena becoming the country's first-ever Master of Wine (MW). The MW is the world's most prestigious wine qualification, and Macena's achievement demonstrates Portugal's growing international standing in professional wine expertise. It's a significant moment for a country that's increasingly recognised for quality production across its diverse regions.
An English vineyard owner with a distinctive personality is putting his £4m property on the market. The story offers a window into the English wine sector and how producers are navigating the current market, though it's as much personality-driven feature as it is hard industry news.
French winegrowers are starting their harvest at record early dates this year as extreme heat and drought conditions accelerate grape ripening. This early picking could have significant implications for wine quality, production volumes and supply chains across Europe, making it essential news for anyone trading or planning inventory around French wines.