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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A grapevine disease is spreading rapidly across Croatia, now affecting vineyards in 14 counties and posing a serious threat to the country's wine production. The outbreak highlights the growing vulnerability of European vineyards to disease pressures and signals potential challenges ahead for Croatian winemakers managing both crop health and economic viability. Industry professionals should monitor how authorities respond and what implications this may have for regional wine supply and quality standards.
Majestic has rolled out its first digital loyalty scheme, letting customers accumulate and redeem points for wine purchases. It's a move that brings the high street wine retailer in line with modern loyalty trends seen across retail, making it easier for shoppers to track their rewards through digital channels rather than traditional card-based systems.
Yarra Yering has been named Winery of the Year, and the feature sits down with Sarah Crowe to discuss her 10 years leading the iconic Yarra Valley producer and how she's positioning it for the next chapter. The interview explores the winery's strategy for staying relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Gundlach Bundschu Winery, one of California's oldest and most storied wine producers, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The Sonoma-based winery's financial difficulties reflect the broader pressures facing California's wine industry, from market oversupply to shifting consumer demand. This is a significant moment for the region's wine heritage.
Halfpenny Green Wine Estate has claimed its biggest accolade yet, winning Winemaker of the Year at the Wine GB Midlands & North 2026 Awards along with an impressive 12 additional awards for its wines, including Best Current Vintage. The achievement comes at an exciting moment for the estate, as they're experiencing what could be their largest harvest on record. It's a significant milestone that underscores the rising quality and reputation of English winemaking.
Murphy has landed a major new position at Hollick winery in the ANZ region. It's a significant career move that shows continued activity in regional wine industry leadership, with talented professionals taking on expanded roles at established operations.
Northern Swartland is becoming a hub for creative winemaking, with a new wave of producers pushing boundaries beyond the region's established Paardeberg reputation. These winemakers are exploring the rugged northern terrain and experimenting with fresh approaches that are putting the area on the map for quality and innovation.
Romania's leading wine producer Cramele Recaș has just wrapped up its earliest harvest on record, with picking beginning a full month ahead of schedule. The winery describes the phenomenon as 'bizarre', highlighting how significantly this year's growing conditions have shifted the traditional harvest timeline. It's a striking example of how climate patterns are reshaping wine production across Europe.
South Australia's wine industry is receiving a major boost with a $109 million government support package that's already garnering positive responses from sector leaders. This substantial investment underscores the importance of the region's wine production to the broader economy and signals renewed backing for local producers. It's a significant development for anyone involved in Australian viticulture and trade.
Bordeaux just experienced its hottest harvest on record, with summer temperatures reaching levels typically seen in southern Spain's Jerez region. Scientists have confirmed the dramatic shift in the region's climate, marking a significant moment for one of the world's most celebrated wine-producing areas and raising important questions about how extreme heat will shape future vintages.
Chef Luke Dale Roberts has opened Boscia, an exciting new fine dining restaurant built beneath a century-old farmhouse at the exclusive Tswalu Kalahari reserve in South Africa. With Roberts as creative director and Dillan Kannemeyer (formerly of SALON and The Pot Luck Club) leading the kitchen, this venture brings world-class gastronomy to one of Africa's most remote luxury destinations. It's another bold move for Roberts, who previously gained acclaim at The Test Kitchen, and signals a growing trend of premium dining experiences expanding beyond city limits.
Renowned Argentine winemaker Susana Balbo has achieved a notable recognition moment linked to Michelin-starred dining in Mendoza. This milestone underscores the region's rising prestige in the global wine industry and highlights how top producers are gaining recognition beyond traditional wine channels. It's another sign of Argentina's growing influence in fine dining and premium wine markets.
Michelin has awarded its first star to LaVidA Restaurant in Mendoza, honouring the vision of legendary winemaker Susana Balbo and her daughter Ana Lovaglio. The accolade marks a significant moment for Argentina's wine country, with the restaurant also maintaining its Michelin Green Star for sustainability. This recognition underscores the growing prestige of Mendoza's wine and hospitality scene on the international stage.