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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.
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.
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.
WineGB's chief executive Nicola Bates discusses what lies ahead for the UK wine industry following English Wine Week and ahead of the sector's annual conference. In this interview, she shares her perspective on the biggest opportunities and challenges facing British wine producers, plus reflects on what she's achieved in nearly three years leading the organisation. It's a chance to hear directly from industry leadership about where the UK wine sector is headed.
English sparkling wine producer Gusbourne is celebrating 20 years of winemaking by releasing rare bottles from its cellar, including just four bottles from its very first vintage in 2006. The limited Cellar Release collection comprises around 250 bottles drawn from parcels held back over two decades, with prices ranging from £45 to £105, and it's available exclusively to members from mid-July through early August 2026.
Emma Denney, Director of Wine at Claridge's in London, has been crowned the 2026 UK Sommelier of the Year, beating a record 39 competitors in the multi-day competition. The 33-year-old New Zealander, who oversees a wine list of over 1,500 bins at the prestigious hotel, also won the 2024 UK Ruinart Challenge and is working towards her Master Sommelier qualification. It's the highest number of contestants in the competition's history, with Dolly Chao and Wilem Powell from Mayfair establishments taking second and third place respectively.
Champagne could be harvesting at its earliest date ever in 2026, with picking potentially starting on 10 August in some locations like the renowned Montgueux vineyard. Following spring frosts and recent heatwaves, major houses including Louis Roederer have confirmed an official start date of 15 August, which would beat the previous record from 2020 when harvesting began on 17 August. Despite the dry, hot conditions, growers report healthy grapes with no water stress thanks to the region's distinctive chalk soils.
Thieves made off with approximately £250,000 worth of rare Burgundy wines from a Milan restaurant in less than three minutes, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by fine dining establishments across Europe. The brazen heist underscores the vulnerability of premium wine collections and the high stakes involved in storing and serving rare vintages. It's a stark reminder of why restaurants and wine merchants investing in robust security measures is critical to protecting valuable inventory.
British vineyards are becoming the go-to summer destination, rivalling traditional European wine regions in quality and appeal. The piece highlights how UK wine tourism has become a must-do staycation activity, showcasing tastings, tours, and the growing reputation of British winemakers. It's a timely look at how the domestic wine industry is gaining serious traction with both travellers and wine enthusiasts.
Spanish sparkling wine giant Freixenet has launched a premium limited edition cuvée from Mallorca, marking what it says is the start of a major long-term investment in the Balearic island. The new wine, crafted from local grapes Prensal and Giró Ros, is a departure for both Freixenet and Mallorca itself, which is typically known for still wines rather than sparkling. Priced at £25, it represents a super-premium positioning from the company, though Freixenet's main cava production will continue in Catalonia.
The International Wine Challenge has announced a new global regional structure for its operations. This restructuring from the prestigious London-based competition could affect how European wines are evaluated and categorised in the competition, making it of interest to UK and EU producers who regularly enter.
Scientists at Penn State University have created a quick test that solves a long-standing winemaking puzzle: why wines with similar tannin levels can taste completely different. The new method takes just one minute and could help winemakers better understand and control their wines' flavour profiles. It's a clever bit of research that bridges the gap between chemistry and what you actually experience when you take a sip.
Germany's historic Kloster Eberbach monastery has opened its wine vaults to the public for the very first time, releasing a selection of rare bottles from its collection. You'll find Rieslings, noble sweet wines, and Pinot Noirs dating back to the 1950s through to the 2000s now available for purchase. It's a unique opportunity to own wines from one of the Rheingau region's most prestigious estates, many of which have been cellared under ideal conditions for decades.
The British government has launched a £61 million fund to help communities purchase pubs that are at risk of closing. This is good news for the wine industry, as pubs remain one of the largest retail channels for wine sales in the UK, and securing their future helps protect an important market for wine merchants and producers.
Scientists studying 2,000-year-old grape seeds found in Chianti have discovered that the famous Tuscan region was once known for white wines, not reds. DNA analysis of 80 seeds revealed that a single white grape variety was carefully cultivated by the Etruscans and Romans for centuries before the region eventually became the red wine powerhouse we know today. The research also identified links between ancient Chianti grapes and varieties still grown in Eastern Europe today.
Kent-based rosé specialist Folc is opening its doors to public investors as it scales up operations across hospitality, retail and direct sales. The brand has already raised over £870,000 from more than 125 investors and has seen its revenue double in the past year, with wines now served in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels. Founded in 2019, Folc operates a négociant model, sourcing grapes from South East growers rather than owning vineyards, and founder Tom Cannon believes English rosé could become one of the country's defining modern wine categories.