Australian winemakers destroy millions of vines as consumption continues to fall

Millions of vines in Australia’s winegrowing regions have been destroyed with tens of millions more likely to be removed as exports continue to decline.

Thirty years of Prowein

The powerhouse of the world’s wine shows returns to Düsseldorf for its 30th anniversary from Sunday 10 March. 

Champagne exports to US down 20% in 2023

Champagne exports to the US in 2023 dropped 20% on the previous year to around 27m bottles according to Comité Champagne.

Penfolds launches inaugural grant programme

Penfolds has launched its inaugural Evermore grant round in Australia, inviting applicants to apply for a share of $200,000 to support projects that contribute to community and culture.

Yann Munier appointed Maison Mumm cellar master

Champagne house Maison Mumm has announced Yann Munier as its new cellar master from 8 April 2024.

British wine celebrates record 2023 harvest

WineGB has declared a record harvest for the British wine industry which is set to produce an estimated 20-22m bottles.

UK introduces new wine labelling laws for 2024

The UK government is set to implement new requirements for the selling and labelling of wine nationwide from 1 January 2024.

Vermouth di Torino obtains US certification mark

The Consortium of the Vermouth di Torino PGI has announced it has obtained certification mark registration from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Penfolds appoints new EMEA distributor

Australian wine producer Penfolds has appointed La Place de Bordeaux as an official distribution partner for its ‘Luxury & Icon’ wines across EMEA, coming into effect in January 2024, following the brand’s 180th anniversary in the new year.

2023 world wine production expected to be smallest in 60 years

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) has found that in 2023, world wine production is expected to be the smallest in the last 60 years.

BBR and Symington acquire Hambledon Vineyard

Berry Bros & Rudd and Port producer Symington Family Estates have acquired Hambledon Vineyard.

Familia Torres begins generational transition process

The advisory board of Familia Torres has agreed to begin a generational transition process in which the current chief executive, Miquel Torres Maczassek, will be appointed president of the company.

Israeli Wine Producers Association pleads for trade help

To raise awareness and in support of Israeli wineries, the Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA), a trade organisation promoting Israeli wineries through wine education and events, has plead for investment.

Casillero del Diablo launches new line to attract a younger market

Viña Concha y Toro's leading brand, Casillero del Diablo has launched Devil's Carnaval, a proposal with which it aspires to expand the market to younger adults.

Badet Clément announces new name and winemaker

Laurent and Catherine Delaunay, founders and owners of Badet Clément, have unveiled a new name for their international family wine group, Delaunay Vins & Domaines.

Bordeaux weather conditions fall into place for 2023 harvest

The Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) has reported the 2023 Bordeaux harvest, which started a few days ahead of normal, has seen weather conditions fall into place during the end of the summer despite difficult weather this year.

Concha y Toro celebrates 140 years

Chilean wine producer and exporter, Viña Concha y Toro, has kicked off its 140th anniversary celebration with a campaign calling on its consumers to ‘Make Time Memorable’.

Cherubino Wines acquires Margaret River Winemakers

Australia-based Cherubino Wines has announced the acquisition of winery and spirits brand, Margaret River Winemakers.

Austria defines legal basis for vineyard classification system

Austria has established the legal basis for the official classification of single vineyards, which will see plots defined as Erste Lage (premier cru) and Große Lage (grand cru).

Miguel Torres Maczassek optimistic despite challenging climate

Familia Torres director general Miguel Torres Maczassek believes that despite ongoing drought, the quality and health of the brand's vines remain “excellent”.

Penfolds appoints new creative partner

Penfolds has announced Nigo, the founder of Human Made and artistic director of Kenzo, as its first-ever creative partner.

Trivento named leading Argentinian wine brand by value by IWSR

The IWSR has recognised Trivento winery as the world’s top-selling Argentine wine brand.

Ramón Bilbao crowns inaugural Spanish Wine Master UK

Wine and Communications professional Kirsty Woodgate has been named the 2023 Spanish Wine Master UK after the grand final of the competition from the Spanish Wine Academy by Rioja’s Ramón Bilbao.

Champagne veteran joins Ferrari Trento

Ferrari Trento has announced that Cyril Brun has joined the Italian sparkling wine brand located in Trentino, Italy, as cellar master.

Maison Bruno Paillard appoints Wanderlust Wine as UK distributor

Maison Bruno Paillard, the house specialising in Extra Brut Champagnes since its inception in 1981, has appointed Wanderlust Wine to distribute its portfolio in the UK.

Champagne sector presents investment plan for the next decade

The Comité Champagne has unveiled the sector’s plan for the next decade, defining a global trajectory to face the challenges of the next 10 years. 

Moët Hennessy reaches new sustainability milestones

Moët Hennessy has reached new sustainability milestones at three of its vineyards in France (Château Galoupet) and in Argentina (Chandon Argentina and Terrazas de los Andes).

Douro Somm Camp returns for a second year

Douro Somm Camp, part of Symington Family Estates’ School of Port educational platform, launched in 2020, is returning this year in July.

Hambledon vineyard releases Première Cuvée Rosé

This year, eight years after launching its Première Cuvée, Hambledon are releasing the first ever rosé version of this wine, its Première Cuvée Rosé. 

Spiral Cellars launches new wine storage system

Spiral Cellars, the UK purveyor of luxury wine storage, is launching a new wine storage system with its UnSpiral Cellar. 

Ferrari Trento auctions bottles for Race Against Dementia

Italian sparkling wine, Ferrari Trento, is auctioning a selection of official signed bottles from the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship on the F1 Authentics site, with proceeds going to Race Against Dementia.

Symington announces fifth edition of Graham’s The Stone Terraces 2021 Vintage Port

Symington’s has announced the release of a 2021 vintage to Graham’s The Stone Terraces series made from two low-yielding vineyards marking the fifth occasion the family have chosen to make this wine.

Ramón Bilbao introduces Spanish Wine Master competition

Rioja’s Ramón Bilbao is introducing a professional competition to find its ‘Spanish Wine Master’, as the brand continues on its mission to educate the trade about Spanish wine.

Maison Billecart-Salmon unveils 2008 vintage

Maison Billecart-Salmon has unveiled its 2008 vintage, Nicolas François, a blend of great Crus from the classified vineyards of Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs.

The REAL Drinks Co. launches naturally fermented rosé alternative

This Spring, The Real Drinks Co. is adding a new permanent release to its portfolio called Peony Blush, a naturally fermented sparkling tea that uses white peony tea leaves to produce an alcohol-free alternative to sparkling rosé.

Antinori named World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2023

Antinori has been named The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2023 and it is the first Italian winery in history to top the list.

World’s Most Admired Wine Brands 2023 to be revealed on 29 March

The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands 2023 will be announced live in a countdown on YouTube from 4 pm BST on Wednesday 29 March.

Black Chalk secures US distribution for the first time

Five years on from its launch, Hampshire-based wine estate Black Chalk, has announced that from April it will be distributed in the US market for the first time, via Sera Wine Imports.

CVNE acquires Bodegas La Val

Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España, CVNE, has acquired Bodegas La Val, located in Rías Baixas Denomination of Origin (DO), Spain.

Majestic toasts its latest Diversity in Wine scholars

UK specialist wine retailer, Majestic, has raised a glass to the latest cohort of graduates from its Diversity in Wine Scholarship.

Wines of South Africa releases its 2022 export report

The Wines of South Africa 2022 export report has revealed that export value has only seen a 2.4% decline following the pandemic with Rand Per Litre (RPL) income showing marginal growth as producers navigate rising costs, shipping challenges and shortages in the supply of packaging goods.

Bollinger announces team restructure to support Bicentenary plans

This year, following the departure of Gilles Descôtes, Champagne Bollinger has announced a new team structure that reflects the Maison’s history and values to strengthen its management team in preparation of the Bicentenary.

Barcelona Wine Week 2023 led by 80 experts

Barcelona Wine Week 2023, the trade fair for Spanish wine, will be bringing together nearly 80 Masters of Wine, sommeliers, producers and experts from the world of wine in a program of activities with more than 50 presentations and tastings.

Ferrari Trento sees a successful year

Ferrari Trento, the Italian sparkling wine brand, has had a successful year in the world of fine wine, motorsport and wine tourism. 

Beaujolais Nouveau Day 2022

Historically to mark the start of a new wine season, today is Beaujolais Nouveau Day, on which more than one million cases of Beaujolais wine start their journey from the Beaujolais region of France across the country.

The Madame Bollinger Foundation announces 2022 medal winner

Justin Martindale MW has been announced as this year’s winner of the Madame Bollinger Medal, which is awarded for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine practical exams.

Penfolds launches new editions to Cellar Reserve portfolio

Penfolds is launching a new accessible AUD$50 range within the travel retail exclusive Cellar Reserve portfolio, aimed at recruiting wine drinkers into the premium wine category. 

Purcari Winery acquires stake in Bulgaria's Angel's Estate Winery

Purcari Wineries PLC has announced the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement for a 76% stake in Bulgarian joint stock company Angel’s Estate Winery.

Penfolds launches travel retail gift pack for Bin 389

Treasury Wine Estates brand Penfolds has launched a travel retail exclusive gift pack for Bin 389, presenting the Shiraz Cabernet blend in a giftable and reusable carry pack. 

Taylor’s launches Very Very Old Tawny Port

Taylor’s has announced the launch of VVOP, the latest in a series of limited releases and one of the oldest wines released by the producer to date.