News Articles - Wine Industry Digest

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.

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

🌍Other Vinetur News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

🌍Other Vinetur News

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.

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.

Why drinks industry should unite behind revamped London Wine Fair

🇬🇧UK The Buyer May 27, 2026 News

The London Wine Fair is bouncing back stronger than ever, with visitor numbers up 8% and exhibitor participation growing by 9% at last week's event. The show's revamped format appears to be resonating with the drinks industry, with floor space expanding by 13% as businesses rally behind the rejuvenated trade fair. It's a solid sign that the sector's traditional gathering points remain vital for networking and business.

The Center of Innovation in Viticulture and Winemaking launched at the Technical University of Moldova

🌍Other Logos Press May 25, 2026 News

Moldova's Technical University has launched a new Centre of Innovation in Viticulture and Winemaking, marking a significant investment in the country's wine industry research and development. This initiative could help strengthen Moldova's position in the global wine market and drive improvements in production techniques and sustainability practices. It's an interesting development for those keeping an eye on emerging wine regions in Eastern Europe.

‘A world-class producer’: English wines toast record gold medal haul - The Guardian

🇬🇧UK The Guardian May 20, 2026 News

English winemakers have achieved a record-breaking number of gold medals at a prestigious wine competition, marking another milestone for the UK wine industry's rising reputation. The achievement underscores how English producers are now competing at world-class levels and gaining international recognition for their quality. It's encouraging news for an industry that's been steadily gaining ground in the global market over recent years.

Read more From Digest #26

Olivier Goudet acquires Wine-Searcher

🌍Other The Drinks Business May 19, 2026 News

French billionaire Olivier Goudet has acquired Wine-Searcher, the global wine price comparison and data platform, through his investment company GLX. The platform, which operates from Auckland with a UK office, will focus on expansion into the US market and plans to increase its use of artificial intelligence across its wine and drinks data services. This purchase adds to Goudet's growing influence in the wine sector, following his recent 9% stake in Australia's Treasury Wine Estates.

Read more From Digest #26

Behind the headlines: is the failure of a barrel-leasing company the biggest story of the year? - Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux

🇪🇺Europe Inside Bordeaux May 19, 2026 News

Journalist Jane Anson is investigating what might be this year's biggest untold story in the wine world: the failure of barrel-leasing company H&A Logistics in Bordeaux. The liquidation of a key supplier in such a major wine region could have serious ripple effects for producers who depend on leasing barrels, highlighting just how fragile some parts of the wine industry's supply chain really are.

Read more From Digest #26

Germany's oldest sparkling wine cellar celebrates its 200th anniversary - Sparkling wine cellar Kessler was founded in 1826 in Esslingen

🌍Other wein.plus May 19, 2026 News

Germany's oldest sparkling wine cellar, Kessler, is marking 200 years in business this year after being founded in Esslingen am Neckar back in 1826. The producer now churns out around 2.2 million bottles annually, showing just how far it's come from its origins as a pioneer in German Sekt production. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional sparkling wine methods in one of Europe's key wine regions.

Read more From Digest #26

Death among the grapevines: the suicide epidemic taking the lives of France’s winemakers

🇪🇺Europe The Observer May 17, 2026 News

The Observer is investigating a suicide crisis affecting French winemakers, highlighting the severe mental health challenges facing those in the wine industry. The story explores the pressures driving these tragedies, which likely include economic strain, climate-related challenges, and the isolation of rural wine production. It's a sobering reminder of the human pressures behind the wines we drink.

Read more From Digest #26

EU Let Wine Industry Write Its Own Rules But Civil Society Is Taking Action to Put Common Good First

🇪🇺Europe Movendi International May 15, 2026 News

Civil society groups are pushing back against EU wine industry self-regulation, arguing that letting producers write their own rules has prioritised profits over public good and environmental responsibility. Movendi International and allied organisations are working to shift the balance towards policies that better reflect health and sustainability concerns. The story underscores a broader tension between industry interests and public welfare in how European wine regulation actually works.

Read more From Digest #25

From grape to grid

🇬🇧UK Vineyard Magazine May 14, 2026 News

Biddenden Vineyards in Kent has benefited from a £70,000 power network upgrade from UK Power Networks that's doubled the local electricity capacity available to the site. The third-generation family business was expanding its operations and needed more power for new machinery, so engineers installed 170 metres of underground cables whilst the network was simultaneously improved for over 1,500 local households. The vineyard's general manager praised the smooth collaboration with the utility company, saying the investment will future-proof the business for the next two decades.

Read more From Digest #25

Spring Frost Damages Champagne Vineyards

🇪🇺Europe Vinetur May 11, 2026 News

Spring frosts have damaged vineyards across the Champagne region, threatening the quality and quantity of this year's harvest. This weather event is a significant concern for producers and could potentially impact availability and pricing of Champagne in the coming months. It's a reminder of how vulnerable even established wine regions are to unpredictable spring weather.

Read more From Digest #25

Matthew Clark and Bibendum finalise full merger

🇬🇧UK Harpers Wine & Spirit May 11, 2026 News

Two of the UK's biggest wine and spirits distributors, Matthew Clark and Bibendum, have officially merged to create Matthew Clark Bibendum (MCB). The merger, announced by parent company C&C Group, brings together two major players in the industry and is expected to reshape how wine reaches bars, restaurants, and shops across the country.

Read more From Digest #25

Meet the owners of award-winning Island vineyard with blue wine and peacocks

🇬🇧UK Yahoo News UK May 9, 2026 News

Meet an award-winning island vineyard that's turning heads with its innovative blue wine and distinctive visitor experience complete with peacocks roaming the grounds. The owners have created something quite special that's garnered industry recognition while offering tourists and wine lovers a memorable destination. It's a great example of how UK vineyard owners are getting creative with production methods and hospitality to stand out in today's wine market.

Read more From Digest #25

Champagne House Pommery Facing Financial Problems - Loan of 50 Million Euros to Be Extended

🇪🇺Europe wein.plus May 5, 2026 News

Champagne house Pommery is facing a liquidity crisis and needs to extend a 50 million euro loan, despite the business performing well operationally. The renowned champagne producer can't repay its debts even though sales are solid, highlighting the financial pressures some established wine houses are dealing with. This development could signal bigger changes ahead in the premium champagne market.