Simon Judge
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Selling by Glass vs Bottle, Due to EPR
An article by Freddie Joosten in Drinks Retailing News outlines the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, which takes effect in April 2025 and will change how wine and spirit businesses handle packaging waste costs. Under EPR, companies must pay the full net costs of collecting and recycling all packaging types they use. This includes packaging at every level, primary, secondary, tertiary and shipment packaging. The financial burden could be considerable, especially for small and medium enterprises and independent retailers, who may lack the resources to absorb or pass on the new costs easily. For wine businesses, this could lead…
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Tesco Spring Summer Tasting 2025
In March 2025, I went to the Tesco Spring Summer Press Tasting in London, where a large line-up of 152 wines was showcased, including 19 new wines. One of the most notable developments was Tesco’s move towards greater sustainability in its wine packaging. Working in collaboration with the Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) and various suppliers, Tesco has introduced lighter 300g bottles into its own-label range from February 2025. This step has already resulted in the removal of 155 tonnes of glass from production, a reduction in carbon emissions and success in meeting the SWR Bottle Accord target, achieving an average…
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Alain Grignon, Réserve Vieilles Vignes Carignan
Sourced from old vines, some over a hundred years in age, in the village of Limoux, within the Languedoc region of southern France, this 2023 vintage wine is a great example of 100% Carignan. However, the age of the vines is a crucial factor here. ‘Vieilles Vignes’ means ‘old vines’ that help lend the wine a concentration and depth that’s hard to find at this price point. Fermentation took place partly in tank and partly in barrel, giving the wine both softness and a subtle oak influence. Carignan is a grape variety often associated with high acidity and rough, rustic…
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25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine for Nectar loyalty card holders, sparkling and Champagne, 6 bottles or more, £6 or more, from 25 March 2025 to 30 March 2025. See the Sainsbury’s press tasting for tips on what to buy.
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25% Off Wine at Tesco
Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are £6 and over (£7 in Wales), from 25 March 2025 until 30 March 2025. See the Tesco tasting and Picks for tips on what to buy.
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Fleurs de Prairie Sparkling Rosé
Fleurs de Prairie Sparkling Rosé takes its name from the wildflowers that flourish across the Languedoc vineyards in the South of France. It is produced by the family-owned Les Grands Chais de France Groupe, the makers behind recognisable names such as JP Chenet and Calvet. The packaging makes an immediate impression by eschewing a traditional front label entirely and having just a small neck label. Also, the bottle features a very small transparent back label, allowing the elegant moulded wildflower design in the glass to take centre stage. It’s a simple yet striking touch that beautifully ties in with the…
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Low-priced Gems at Aldi
David Williams, in The Guardian Newspaper, explores the challenge of finding quality, affordable wine amidst rising costs, especially due to duty increases and inflation. As mainstream regions become pricier, supermarkets are sourcing from less familiar areas, often presenting these bottles as “hidden gems”. Aldi, in particular, stands out with its “Unearthed” line and other well-priced selections. While many supermarket reds are marred by excessive sweetness, Aldi manages to offer several dry and characterful options. The article praises Aldi’s strong offering of white wines and sparkling wines, which punch above their price tags. Here is a list of the wines mentioned:…
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Drinks Retailing Trends Report
The latest Drinks Retailing Trends Report offers a comprehensive snapshot of the UK wine sector, with a particular focus on the top-selling wine brands and emerging trends. Among still wines, Yellow Tail now holds the top position with sales of £222.8 million, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. It overtakes Hardys, which experienced a steep decline of 18.1% to £173.8 million. Barefoot and Casillero del Diablo follow, with modest gains of 1.5% and 7.7% respectively. However, the most significant shift is the dramatic rise of La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, which surged by 49.4%…
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UK Vineyard Visits
Wine tourism is rapidly becoming a major trend in UK travel, with over 1.5 million visits to vineyards and wineries recorded in 2023, marking a 55% increase from 2022. In response, WineGB has released the Visit a Vineyard Guide 2025 (pdf), a comprehensive resource promoting the diverse and distinctive experiences available across the country. There are 300 vineyards and wineries in the UK currently open to the public, offering everything from tours and tastings to fine dining, cellar door shops, on-site accommodation and vineyard picnics. Unique attractions include winery slides, wine trains, festivals, and wildlife walks, showcasing the variety of…
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Amandla Signature Chenin Blanc
Amandla Signature Chenin Blanc comes from the Western Cape, South Africa, and is made by an innovative all-black, all-female team, led by winemaker Praisy Dlamini and viticulturalist Ruth Faro. The name “Amandla” translates to “power within us,” a fitting tribute to the passion behind this wine. I have seen this Amandla promoted a lot but was curious to know what their wine tastes like. Made entirely from Chenin Blanc, the 2024 vintage has an ABV of 12%. First of all, be sure not to serve it too cold, giving it at least 20 minutes out of the fridge allows the…
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Blueprint Australian Shiraz
Waitrose Blueprint Australian Shiraz was a must-try for me because it was a finalist in the People’s Choice Wine Awards in the Red, Own Label category. The Blueprint range from Waitrose is designed to showcase great-value examples of classic wines from around the world, selected for their quality and their faithful representation of both style and origin. Each bottle features intricately designed labels, symbolic of the maker’s region. This particular Shiraz, a 2022 vintage with an ABV of 14.5%, has a wonderful aroma with hints of burnt treacle. The full-bodied mouthfeel, part due due to the warming alcohol presence follow…
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How the Wine Industry is Evolving to Stay Relevant to Gen Z
IWSR is reporting that wine markets are increasingly reliant on drinkers aged 55 and above, as younger legal drinking age consumers are drinking wine less frequently. In Australia, for instance, the number of 18–24-year-olds consuming wine at least monthly halved between 2010 and 2023. This trend presents a challenge for wine producers trying to engage Gen Z, a generation that is health-conscious, interested in moderation, and exposed to a wider range of beverage options. Gen Z consumers are less familiar with traditional wine regions and varietals and are sensitive to price increases. They are also moving away from traditional wine-drinking…
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200% US Tariffs
The European wine industry is facing a significant threat following US President Donald Trump’s warning of a 200% tariff on EU wine imports. Trade bodies on both sides of the Atlantic have expressed alarm, warning that such a move would devastate European wine producers and severely disrupt the transatlantic alcohol trade. Ignacio Sánchez, secretary general of the European wine sector association CEEV, has warned that the proposed tariff would effectively shut down the US market for EU wines. The US currently accounts for 27% of the EU’s wine exports, worth around €4.53 billion annually, making it the largest destination for…
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Affordable English Sparkling Wine
Hannah Crosbie in The Guardian newspaper explains how many supermarkets now offer their own-label English sparkling wines, which are sourced from producers and bottled under their name. Some disclose the producer, while others keep it confidential to maintain the brand’s prestige. These own-label sparkling are significantly cheaper than regular English sparkling wines, which usually cost at least £30-£40. The high cost of English sparkling wine is due to expensive production factors. Labour costs in the UK are much higher than in some other wine-producing countries, where workers can be underpaid. Additionally, setting up a vineyard and winery in the UK…
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Irresistible Salice Salentino
Irresistible Salice Salentino is 2020 vintage made from the Negroamaro grape, with an ABV of 13.5%. Produced by Botter, a brand more popular in Belgium, Germany, Holland and France, this wine comes from Masseria Doppio Passo in Puglia, specifically the municipality of Salice Salentino. It’s aged for at least 24 months, including six months in wooden barrels. I first tried this during a tasting I organised in August 2024. At the time, I enjoyed it a lot and found it had a slightly burnt edge, something often associated with Negroamaro. Revisiting a bottle sourced at the same time, I am…
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Domini Veneti ‘La Casetta’ Valpolicella Ripasso
Ripasso wines gain their signature depth and texture from the addition of leftover grape skins from Amarone production, but La Casetta goes a step further. Instead of Amarone, it is re-fermented with the skins from Recioto, a rich, sweet dessert wine, which takes the flavour intensity to another level. Being a Classico Superiore, it comes from the heart of Valpolicella’s most traditional winemaking zone (Classico) and meets stricter production standards (Superiore), resulting in a wine of greater concentration and complexity. Made from Rondinella and Corvinone grapes, the 2019 vintage has 14% ABV. Aromatically, rich aromas of plum and mild oak…
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People’s Choice Wine Awards Results
The results of the People’s Choice Wine Awards are out. These consumer-friendly categories attract wine submissions from all over the world, embracing all packaging formats and price points. Entries come from a wide range of sources, including importers, independent retailers, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and producers. The judging process is a unique blend of expert knowledge and consumer insight. Enthusiastic wine lovers, selected through an application process, are invited to judge alongside WSET students at all levels and experienced wine professionals. The panel of professionals includes highly respected wine buyers, sommeliers, importers, journalists, retailers, and wine communicators, ensuring a well-rounded and…
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Alcohol Reductions
When it comes to the duty on UK wine, one factor aside from price that is increasingly coming into the equation is alcohol level. By reducing alcohol, producers can actually bring the price of wine down to below what it was before the recent duty increases. Speaking to importers at tastings, this is an ongoing discussion and it’s starting to have an impact on the wines themselves. Meanwhile, discounters have already begun making moves in this direction. They have started with the most obvious candidates, the least expensive that are most affected by the new duty rates. At the Aldi…
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Bulgarian Tasting
In March 2025, I attended the Bulgarian Tasting and Masterclass in London, which specifically focused on the Thracian Lowlands, one of Bulgaria’s two PGI regions. The Masterclass, led by Dr Jamie Goode, centred on Bulgaria’s indigenous grape varieties. The walkaround tasting featuring over 60 wines. Representatives from The Jolly Merchants, Danube Wines, and Swig importers were present, alongside winemakers from Maruga Winery, Aya Estate and Katarzyna Winery. Jamie Goode covered various aspects of Bulgarian wine, including its history, geography, regional and sub-regional areas, soil types and grape varieties. I explore these topics and more, in the article on Understanding Bulgarian…
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Understanding Bulgarian Wines
Bulgaria encompasses six thousand years of winemaking tradition, now blending ancient heritage with modern innovation. It cultivates both native varieties and international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. With over 90% of production exported to markets across Europe, Asia and North America, Bulgaria’s is experiencing a resurgence as a competitive force in the global wine industry. Bulgaria’s Wine Regions and the PGI Framework Bulgaria’s wine regulatory landscape transformed significantly upon joining the European Union in 2007, adopting the EU’s Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) frameworks. The country now recognises two expansive PGIs, Thracian Lowlands…
Pick Lists
Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Aldi | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20
Did You Know?
Nearly a third (32%) of UK consumers say they have already used AI for alcoholic drinks advice. More
Among socially active wine buyers, 37% have bought a wine recommended online. More
In 2026, 72% of consumers now think wine knowledge is essential to appreciation, up 20 percentage points on 2025. More
Rías Baixas wines reached more than 107 countries in 2025 and exports represented 31 per cent of the denomination’s total sales. More
Light Strike Can Cause Wine Degradation in Just One Day. More
People actively adjust their wine choices depending on who might see them. More
In the UK, 73% of Alcohol is Bought From Retail Rather Than Hospitality. More
UK wine production reached 124,377 hectolitres that year, meaning the UK accounted for roughly 0.05 per cent of world output. More
For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release. More
In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More
Local UK bottling of wine represents about 40% of imported wine. More
Around 1% of people, typically severe asthmatics, have a sulphite sensitivity. More
A large 80% of Australian wine arrives in the UK in bulk. More
Only about 0.02% of Australia’s landmass is dedicated to vineyards. More
In 2024, New Zealand produced only 1% of the World’s wine. More
In 2024, the US imported 37% of World production of Pinot Grigio and the UK was is in second place at 27%. More
In 2024, the UK was South Africa’s largest export market, with 40% of total exports. More
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported 22.3 million bottles of Champagne, a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. More
Larger Champagne producers source grapes from as many as 80 different vineyards throughout Champagne. More
Champagne houses and growers collectively produce around 300 million bottles annually. More
In 2025, the Champagne region was home to about 2,124 Champagne houses and approximately 19,000 growers. More
Provence is one of the leaders in the conversion to organic viticulture, with 61% of vineyards certified. More
8% of the South Africa’s grape production is Fairtrade-certified. More
Up to 80% of wine aroma compounds come from grape skins. More
Glycerol is the third-largest component of most dry wines after water and alcohol which is why they so often feel ‘smooth’ or ‘silky’ in the mouth. More
Humans are more than 400 times more sensitive to bitter than sweet. More
Humans can detect the earthy molecule geosmin at about 100 parts per trillion and camels are so sensitive to it they can locate damp ground from roughly 50 miles away. More
During the phylloxera crisis of the nineteenth century, 90% of Europe’s vineyards were destroyed. More
In 2025, for La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, sales surged by 49.4% to £110.8 million. More
In 2025, in the UK, Yellow Tail held the top position with sales, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. More
In 2024, the UK was the second-largest wine importer in volume and value. More
In 2024, the UK was the fifth-largest wine-consuming country globally. More
In 2025, global wine consumption continued its downward trend, estimated at 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. More
In 2025, online alcohol sales had a 20% increase in value over five years. More
In 2025, the number of UK vineyards rose to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. More
Moët Hennessy alone commands nearly 46.66% of the Champagne market, with the top three producers together holding about 61%, and the top five controlling over 72%. More
In 2024, the Champagne market was worth roughly €3.92 billion. More
In the marketing year 2023/24, white wine accounted for roughly 55% of Spain’s output, whereas red and rosé together made up about 45%. More
In the UK, 92% of wine is consumed within 48hrs of purchase. More
The majority of wines, 95%, use commercial rather than wild yeast. More
Between 0.5 and 10 litres of water, per litre of wine, are needed for cleaning during winemaking. More
Machine harvesting can achieve up to 100 tons of fruit per day vs 1 ton for a human. More
In Germany, 2025 was the smallest wine vintage since 2010. More
The majority of vineyards, 90% in 2019, are farmed with heavy chemical interventions. Only 6% are organic. More
90% of low and coastal areas in south Europe and California will no longer be able to produce good wine by the end of the century. More
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