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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bordeaux winemaking legend Hubert de Boüard, owner of the renowned Château Angélus, is taking part in a podcast conversation with respected wine journalist Jane Anson. The interview promises fascinating insights into one of the region's most celebrated figures, with part one now available to listen to.
Scientists at Penn State University have used machine learning to identify specific oak tannins that influence wine flavour and quality. The research offers winemakers a deeper understanding of how oak ageing affects their wines and could help producers make more informed decisions about barrel selection and aging strategies. This kind of scientific insight is increasingly valuable to producers across the UK and Europe looking to refine their craft.
A UK vineyard is making headlines for its innovative approach to winemaking that breaks from conventional methods. The BBC has taken a closer look at what makes their process distinctive and why it's catching industry attention. It's a great reminder that British wine producers continue to experiment and push boundaries in how they craft their wines.
The Old Vine Registry has passed a major milestone, recording over 10,000 vineyards with vines aged 35 years or older across 42 countries and nearly 43,000 hectares. The project, founded by wine critic Jancis Robinson and others in 2023, is expanding far faster than originally anticipated, reaching a target that wasn't due until 2027. Germany and Austria are well represented with 337 and 51 vineyard entries respectively, whilst the International Organisation of Vine and Wine has now officially standardised what constitutes 'old vines' for classification purposes.
Porto's historic Factory House, a cornerstone of the port wine trade for over two centuries, has opened its doors to public visitors for the first time. This exclusive access lets people explore the authentic infrastructure and heritage that's shaped Porto's world-renowned wine industry. It's a rare opportunity to experience the real story behind one of Europe's most celebrated wine regions.
Balfour Winery has opened The Winemaker's Pub in the charming village of Goudhurst, bringing vineyard hospitality directly to locals and visitors. This new venture bridges the gap between winery and community by combining English wine with traditional British cooking in a village pub setting, making quality English wine more accessible and integrated into everyday hospitality.
West Sussex vineyards are joining forces to boost tourism following the success of East Sussex's Rother Wine Triangle model. Chichester's wine cluster, which includes Ashling Park, Tinwood, Stopham, Roebuck and Digby, will adopt the proven blueprint of mapped routes, coordinated marketing and visitor signage. Wine tourism already accounts for roughly a quarter of vineyard income nationwide, and the structured cluster approach is expected to increase visitor numbers and cross-venue spending while strengthening the region's wine reputation.
WineGB, the trade association representing English wine producers, has appointed a new Head of Communications & Marketing. This move strengthens the organisation's ability to promote the UK wine industry and amplify the sector's voice in an increasingly competitive market. It reflects growing confidence in English wine's potential and the industry's commitment to building its profile both domestically and internationally.
The UK wine trade has lost a major figure with the death of Alan Mayne on 23rd January at the age of 85. Throughout his six-decade career, Mayne became one of the most respected and influential professionals in the high-end wine sector, shaping how fine wine is distributed and appreciated in Britain. He was known for his mentorship of younger professionals and his colourful personality within the trade.
Rioja producer Muriel Wines has given its Viña Eguía label a contemporary makeover, introducing refreshed packaging for its classic Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva lines alongside a new single-variety 'Origin' range. The new collection showcases distinctive Riojan grape varieties including the rare indigenous Maturana Blanca, alongside innovative blends from across Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. The rebrand reflects the company's push to modernise its image and expand into new export markets, positioning itself as a reference brand for today's wine drinkers.
Henkell Freixenet has completed its takeover of Freixenet, acquiring the remaining shares from the Ferrer family and José Luis Bonet to gain 100% control of the world's leading sparkling wine producer. The deal concludes eight years of partnership that began with a 50/50 joint venture in 2018, though the founding families will stay involved as honorary presidents. It's a significant moment for the Spanish wine industry, showing how family-owned wine businesses are adapting to global market pressures whilst preserving their heritage.
Humble Grape has launched a new Women in Wine campaign, marking another step forward for diversity in the UK wine industry. The initiative highlights the retailer's commitment to supporting and promoting women across wine retail and hospitality roles. This reflects broader industry efforts to create more inclusive workplaces and career pathways for women in wine.
A Dorset vineyard has been crowned maker of the world's best sparkling wine, marking another feather in the cap for England's flourishing wine industry. The award highlights the growing quality and recognition of UK sparkling wines on the international stage, building on the region's reputation for producing world-class bottles that can compete with traditional champagne producers.