Regulation Articles - Wine Industry Digest

Chile Considers New Wine Category for Lower-Alcohol Bottles

South America Vinetur Sep 4, 2026 Regulation

Chile is considering creating a new official wine category for lower-alcohol bottles, a move that could have significant implications for how these wines are classified, labelled and traded internationally. This regulatory development matters for anyone importing Chilean wines or working with lower-alcohol options, as it could affect everything from how products are marketed to how they're taxed and distributed. It's part of a broader industry shift towards lighter, lower-alcohol styles.

The European cheese of Discord

South America Pravda EU Aug 31, 2026 Regulation

South America's wine producers are bracing for major disruption as the long-stalled EU-Mercosur trade deal moves forward. Once borders open to European imports, South American winemakers will lose protection against cheap EU competition and won't be allowed to use European geographical names on their own bottles. Smaller producers are particularly worried about bankruptcy, whilst the rush to claim EU tariff quotas on a first-come basis is already creating friction between neighbouring countries.

Chile moves to create a legal category for wine starting at 8.5% alcohol

South America Vinetur Aug 31, 2026 Regulation

Chile is moving to establish a new legal wine category for lower-alcohol wines, with the threshold starting at 8.5% ABV. The proposal would create an official classification for these lighter styles, reflecting both consumer demand and the winemaking challenges posed by warmer vintages. This regulatory change could reshape how Chilean wines are labelled, marketed, and positioned in export markets.