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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Viña Don Melchor has earned a spot as the only Chilean winery nominated for Wine Enthusiast's 'New World Winery of the Year 2026' award, marking a significant achievement for the country's wine industry. This recognition highlights Chile's continued strength in the global wine market and positions Don Melchor amongst the world's top New World producers competing for the prestigious title.
English winemakers are celebrating a record-breaking summer, with early harvests expected to produce exceptional quality grapes for their sparkling wines. The heat has accelerated ripening and promises what producers are calling a 'vintage year' for the region. However, the same drought conditions that benefited wine production have hit barley growers hard, sparking warnings of potential beer shortages as yields plummet across England.
Champagne's facing an extraordinary harvest collapse this year, but don't expect shelves to empty just yet. The region has built up enough stock reserves that it can absorb the 50% production loss without immediately hitting consumer availability, though the crunch will likely come down the line if harvests don't recover. It's a sobering reminder of how climate and weather are reshaping even the most resilient wine regions.
France's wine harvest is heading towards its lowest level in three decades as severe heat and drought hit vineyards across the country. This significant production shortfall will have ripple effects across the global wine trade, affecting supply chains, pricing, and availability for importers and retailers. Producers should be monitoring yield impacts across key French regions closely.
Blue Nun, the world's bestselling German wine brand, is making a comeback in the UK through an Ocado listing. The classic brand, which dominated the market decades ago, is being relaunched to British consumers via the premium online grocer, signalling a strategic push to reconnect with UK drinkers and modern retail channels.
France is facing its worst wine harvest in 30 years, with production expected to reach just under 34 million hectolitres, down 6% on 2025 and 17% below the recent five-year average. The record-breaking heat and severe drought have devastated vineyards, and producers are now worried that smoke taint from wildfires could also damage wine quality. This forecast will have ripple effects across import, distribution, and retail.
Decanter has released its vintage assessment for Margaret River's 2024 Chardonnay and 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon. The report provides the kind of detailed regional harvest analysis that producers, importers and retailers rely on to understand the quality and character of upcoming releases from Australia's premium wine region.
South American winemakers are increasingly finding success with Pinot Noir in challenging, extreme growing conditions across the region. This emerging trend shows how producers are expanding beyond traditional varietals and adapting their techniques to new terroirs, creating interesting new expressions that could appeal to importers and retailers looking for fresh South American stories.
Tim Atkin, a leading international wine critic, has expressed optimism about South Africa's wine industry future. The piece offers perspective on what's driving confidence in SA's wine sector and what it means for the region's export prospects and reputation.
South Africa's wine industry has a new star. Sémillon Gris, a naturally occurring pink-skinned mutation of Sémillon that's been part of Cape vineyards for centuries, has just been officially recognised by the OIV as a distinct variety with South Africa as its country of origin. Winemakers Andrea and Chris Mullineux spent 14 years championing the grape through certification, culminating in a certified mother block in 2022, and healthy certified cuttings are now available to growers worldwide.
A Western Australian wine producer has earned international recognition for a bottle priced at around $30, with judges describing it as 'near perfect'. The accolade highlights the region's ability to deliver quality wines at accessible price points, which could help Australian producers compete in value-conscious export markets.
UK wine importer Winetraders has expanded its portfolio with ten new artisan Italian producers as the company approaches its thirtieth anniversary in the business. The move reflects ongoing appetite among UK importers for smaller, craft-focused Italian estates.
A man has been arrested in connection with a suspected £500,000 counterfeit wine operation in the UK. The case highlights the ongoing challenge of fake bottles circulating through trade channels, putting pressure on retailers and producers to verify authenticity and protect their brands.