News Articles - Wine Industry Digest

Penn State scientists devise a one-minute test that reveals why wines with similar tannins feel different

You might also like Vinetur Jun 22, 2026 News

Scientists at Penn State University have created a quick test that solves a long-standing winemaking puzzle: why wines with similar tannin levels can taste completely different. The new method takes just one minute and could help winemakers better understand and control their wines' flavour profiles. It's a clever bit of research that bridges the gap between chemistry and what you actually experience when you take a sip.

Ancient DNA proves Chianti was once a white wine mecca

You might also like The Drinks Business Jun 17, 2026 News

Scientists studying 2,000-year-old grape seeds found in Chianti have discovered that the famous Tuscan region was once known for white wines, not reds. DNA analysis of 80 seeds revealed that a single white grape variety was carefully cultivated by the Etruscans and Romans for centuries before the region eventually became the red wine powerhouse we know today. The research also identified links between ancient Chianti grapes and varieties still grown in Eastern Europe today.

Decanter World Wine Awards 2026 results revealed: Global wine quality reaches new heights

You might also like Decanter Jun 17, 2026 News

The Decanter World Wine Awards 2026 has revealed its results, with organisers noting that global wine quality has reached impressive new heights. As one of the wine industry's most respected international competitions, the awards showcase top producers and wines from around the world. The results offer valuable insights into current quality standards and emerging trends across the global wine market.

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

You might also like 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.

Olivier Goudet acquires Wine-Searcher

You might also like 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.

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

You might also like 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.

Australia Dominates WSET Diploma Top Prizes in 2025

You might also like Wine Industry Advisor Apr 28, 2026 News

Australia has topped the WSET Diploma prizes in 2025, according to Wine Industry Advisor. The WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) Diploma is one of the wine industry's most respected qualifications, so these results highlight where some of the world's most accomplished wine professionals are emerging.

Iran war drives change in wine industry practices

You might also like The Drinks Business Apr 28, 2026 News

The ongoing Iran conflict is reshaking the wine industry's supply chains and budgets, pushing producers to rethink how they operate. With logistics disrupted and costs climbing, winemakers across regions are accelerating plans to build more resilient businesses whilst boosting their environmental credentials. It's a reminder that global tensions don't just affect politics, they reshape how wine gets made and delivered to your glass.

AI hype or reality? Wine sector weighs its next move

You might also like The Drinks Business Apr 23, 2026 News

Industry-wide analysis of AI technology adoption in wine sector, examining how wineries are engaging with emerging technology for discovery and operations. Relevant to market trends and innovation in the wine industry.

Penn State Scientists Uncover Oak Tannins That Shape Wine Flavor Using Machine Learning

You might also like Vinetur Apr 7, 2026 News

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.

Old Vine Registry Records More Than 10,000 Entries - Milestone for Global Database of Old Vines

You might also like wein.plus Mar 30, 2026 News

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.

Golf club sinkhole reveals century-old wine cellar

You might also like The Drinks Business Mar 2, 2026 News

A sinkhole at Davyhulme Park Golf Club in Manchester has revealed a remarkable hidden cellar dating back over 100 years, complete with dozens of historic wine and Port bottles still sitting on the floor. The groundskeepers discovered the brick tunnel beneath the 13th hole filled with earth-encrusted bottles, though most lack labels that would identify the specific wines or producers. The cellar appears to be remnants of the original manor house that once stood on the site, offering a fascinating glimpse into English wine-drinking traditions from the early 20th century.

The first four Masters of Wine for 2026 announced by the IMW - Winetitles

You might also like Winetitles Media Feb 20, 2026 News

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.

First Wine Barrels Made of Wood and Stone Introduced - More Freshness in Wine than in Classic Barrique

You might also like wein.plus Jan 26, 2026 News

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.

The fine wine scandal that left investors millions out of pocket

You might also like The Telegraph Jan 20, 2026 News

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.

Vines from 1991 become eligible for Old Vine Registry

You might also like Drinks Retailing Jan 16, 2026 News

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.

WSET’s Simon McMurtrie: ‘I hope to be an enthusiastic cheerleader’

You might also like The Drinks Business Dec 10, 2025 News

WSET's outgoing chair Simon McMurtrie has given an interview to The Drinks Business reflecting on his tenure leading the charity and its expansion of wine education globally. It's a nice peek behind the curtain at how one of the wine industry's most influential educational bodies is run, and McMurtrie comes across as genuinely passionate about making wine study accessible rather than elitist. Worth a read if you're interested in how the industry's training infrastructure is evolving.

Something 'wicked' this way comes: Kent's 2025 harvest special report

You might also like The Buyer Dec 4, 2025 News

Dan Barwick, a winemaker who's spent two decades in Sonoma, has come back to Kent and reported on what looks like a seriously impressive 2025 harvest. The Buyer's exclusive breakdown goes month-by-month through the growing season and reckons it could be a landmark vintage for English wine.

The Big Interview: Raquel Pérez Cuevas

You might also like The Drinks Business Dec 4, 2025 News

Raquel Pérez Cuevas has just become the first female president of DOCa Rioja's regulatory council, winning a landslide 99% of the vote at a pivotal moment for the region. The Drinks Business interview covers her take on Rioja's centenary celebrations and the challenges ahead – from geopolitical uncertainty to market pressures – though she's banking on the region's stellar reputation with consumers to weather the storm. It's a solid leadership profile piece on one of Spain's most prestigious wine designations during a tricky period.

Michelin launches new ‘Grapes’ rating for wine estates

You might also like The Drinks Business Dec 3, 2025 News

Michelin's launching a proper wine rating system for the first time—think stars but for vineyards instead of restaurants. They're kicking off with Burgundy and Bordeaux in 2026, assessing estates on everything from agronomy to consistency across vintages. It's a pretty big deal for the industry, giving wine lovers a trusted benchmark similar to what Michelin's done for food.