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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.
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 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 new survey by Drinks United, backed by major UK industry organisations including the WSTA and WSET, has uncovered widespread safety concerns across the drinks trade. The findings reveal serious issues around safety, discrimination and inclusion that are affecting workers throughout the sector. It's a reminder that workplace culture matters just as much as what's in the bottle.
A Dedham vineyard in Essex has new owners who are committed to producing high-quality wines. The takeover reflects growing investment and confidence in English wine production, with the owners prioritising quality standards for their operation. It's another sign that the UK's vineyard sector continues to attract serious producers and investors.
The Institute of Masters of Wine has announced the first four candidates to achieve the prestigious Masters of Wine qualification in 2026. It's one of the wine world's most demanding certifications, and these announcements celebrate the professionals who've reached its highest standards. This highlights the continued strength of wine expertise and professional development in the UK wine industry.
Cherie Spriggs, head winemaker at Nyetimber, the award-winning English sparkling wine producer, reveals her creative philosophy behind the wines she crafts. In a new interview, she explains how she approaches winemaking with a musical sensibility, thinking about how different elements come together in harmony. It's an interesting insight into the personalities and creative processes shaping the UK's increasingly respected sparkling wine industry.
Ridgeview Estate Winery, one of England's leading sparkling wine producers, has managed to avoid going into administration. It's positive news for the Sussex-based winery, which has been a flagship name in the English wine renaissance over recent years. The development comes as many UK wine businesses have faced financial headwinds.
The European Parliament has given the green light to new measures aimed at protecting and promoting the EU wine sector. This parliamentary backing suggests potentially significant policy changes that could affect how European wines are produced, labelled, and traded both within the EU and internationally. Wine professionals and producers should keep an eye on what specific protections and promotional initiatives emerge from this decision.
WineGB has launched a comprehensive New Entrants Guide to help aspiring winemakers and vineyard owners navigate the growing UK wine sector. The revised 104-page guide, sponsored by NFU Mutual and dedicated to English wine pioneer Peter Hall, covers everything from viticulture and winemaking to business planning and market routes. It's designed to give newcomers realistic expectations about the increasingly expensive business of wine production, and is available exclusively to WineGB members through their Knowledge Hub.
Ukraine's wine industry is facing unprecedented challenges as the ongoing war disrupts production, supply chains, and exports. Despite the hardships, Ukrainian winemakers are finding ways to adapt and continue their craft, showcasing the resilience of the country's growing wine sector. It's a testament to how the industry is persevering through one of its toughest periods.
UK glass bottle manufacturer Croxsons has launched a new bottle specifically designed for English and Welsh sparkling wine producers. It's a positive development for the domestic sparkling wine sector, showing investment in the infrastructure needed to support Britain's growing reputation for quality sparkling wines.
Nyetimber has appointed former England rugby captain Jamie George as brand ambassador, following the sparkling wine producer's announcement as official partner of England Rugby ahead of the 2026 Six Nations. The campaign celebrates George's two-decade career with content filmed at Hertford RFC, where his rugby journey began, and features Nyetimber's iconic Routemaster Bus. The partnership also highlights grassroots rugby, with Nyetimber recently becoming official sparkling wine partner of Richmond Rugby Club.
London City Bond, one of the UK's leading bonded warehouses for wine and spirits, credits its staff loyalty and workplace culture for delivering reliable service during the hectic Christmas peak season. The company, which has nearly 40 years of experience, maintains an impressive average employee tenure of over 10 years, unusual for the logistics sector, by investing in staff development and fostering a positive working environment. For wine importers and merchants relying on smooth distribution, LCB's operational strength matters directly to their ability to get stock to customers on time.
Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain's oldest fine wine merchant, is holding an auction of exceptional wines sourced directly from the cellars of the Berry and Rudd families. The online sale, closing on 3 February, features remarkable bottles spanning two centuries including a 1966 Château Cheval Blanc and rare vintages, with proceeds from the Family Reserve being reinvested into the collection. A real highlight is three miniature bottles of 1911 Mumm Champagne originally created for Queen Mary's Dolls' House in 1924, which have never been publicly offered for sale before.
Austrian cooperage Schön has unveiled the wine industry's first hybrid barriques, combining wood and stone in a single barrel. Wines aged in these innovative vessels reportedly taste fresher and fruitier compared to those from traditional wooden barrels, potentially offering producers a new tool for achieving desired flavour profiles.
Bordeaux is facing unprecedented challenges as producers have announced a major €130 million plan to remove vines from production. The crisis stems from a combination of falling demand, climate pressures, and the industry's struggle to adapt, with producers now calling on the government for urgent support in the 2026 budget. This signals that even the world's most prestigious wine region is grappling with serious structural headwinds.
A major fine wine investment scandal has left investors out of millions of pounds, according to reporting from The Telegraph. The story highlights concerning vulnerabilities in how fine wine is marketed and sold as an investment vehicle, raising questions about safeguards for retail investors entering this alternative asset class.
Good news for vintage vine fans! Vineyards planted in 1991 have now hit the 35-year mark, making them eligible for The Old Vine Registry. The registry has grown to nearly 9,400 vineyards across 42 countries with importers and a public "Heritage Vine Hunt" contest helping to document historic sites in regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley.
A North Yorkshire vineyard has had an exceptional year and they're calling it 'jaw-dropping'. The York Press piece covers what's clearly a strong performance for the operation, which fits the wider story of UK viticulture gaining momentum in recent years.