Simon Judge
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UK EPR Will Cause Wine Price Increases
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is a new UK legislation aimed at making producers fully responsible for managing packaging waste costs. The EPR fee structure includes Environmental Regulator Fees, covering Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs) and Environment Agency fees, and Scheme Administrator Fees, which cover recycling costs for household and public bin packaging waste. The implementation of these fees has been deferred until 2025, based on 2024 data. From 2026, fees will be modulated to encourage the use of sustainable packaging. Importers of packaged goods into the UK are also subject to EPR fees if they meet certain criteria, such…
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25% Off at Morrisons
Morrisons 25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £5.50 or more, from 19 August until 26 August 2024.
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25% Off Wine at Tesco
Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are over £5.50 (£7 in Wales), from 20 August 2024 until 26 August 2024. See the Tesco tasting for tips on what to buy.
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25% Off Wine at Asda
Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, 6 bottles or more, from 19 August 2024 until 26 August 2024. See the Spring Summer Press tasting for tips on what to buy.
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Two Pinot Noir
On the eve of Pinot Noir Day, we had two bottles of Pinot Noir waiting to be tasted, perfect timing for a mini tasting session. Three of us gathered, each with expectations of a light wine experience, especially given the wine variety. We decided to put them to the test not just by themselves but also with food, including pasta and strong-flavoured salads, to see how they might change. Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2022, New ZealandThis wine has a pretty colour that catches the light, resembling cranberry juice. The aroma is delicate, with hints of rosehips and perhaps…
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25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine, sparkling and Champagne, 6 bottles or more, £6 or more, from 19 August 2024 to 25 August 2024. See the Sainsbury’s tasting for tips on what to buy.
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California Dreaming Wine Tasting
I attended the “California Dreaming” consumer wine tasting event at Majestic in August 2024, hosted by the knowledgeable Andrew from Majestic Woking. Nine of us sampled a selection of wines that highlighted the diverse range of grape varieties available from California, going beyond the typical expectations. We started with a Champagne welcome drink, as Majestic didn’t have any Californian sparkling wine, a rarity in the UK. The chosen opener was Maurice Delabaye Cuvée Prestige Brut (12.5% ABV), which provided a refreshing start on the warm August day. With bright lemon and apple notes, it was a great palate cleanser, priced…
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Risks and Benefits of Drinking for Older Adults
A new study looks into the belief that light to moderate drinking, particularly of wine, offers health benefits for older adults. The research, involving over 135,000 participants aged 60 and above from the UK, reveals that alcohol’s impact varies based on an individual’s existing health conditions and socioeconomic status. For those with pre-existing health issues or lower socioeconomic status, even minimal drinking increases the risk of death, especially from cancer. However, healthy older adults without such risks did not show an increased mortality rate from moderate drinking. The study highlights that drinking wine, especially with meals, is associated with the…
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Understanding Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a captivating red wine that transcends its reputation as merely a lighter red option. The name ‘Pinot Noir’ derives from the French words for ‘pine’ and ‘black’, referring to the grape’s tightly clustered, pine cone-shaped bunches and dark skin. This noble grape variety thrives primarily in cooler climates, with its spiritual home in Burgundy, France, though it has found success in regions like Oregon, New Zealand and parts of Germany, Chile and Italy. Viticulturally, Pinot Noir presents numerous challenges. Its thin skin makes it susceptible to various diseases and pests, while its early budding leaves it vulnerable…
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Global Chenin Blanc Masters 2024
The Global Chenin Blanc Masters competition recently highlighted the remarkable versatility of Chenin Blanc, which produces some of the finest sweet and dry white wines, both with and without oak, as well as sparkling wines. The Loire Valley is its historic home, producing notable sparkling and sweet wines, such as Crémant de Loire, sparkling Vouvray, and the late-picked sweet wines of Coteaux du Layon. South Africa, where Chenin Blanc is the most planted variety, also produces exceptional wines, particularly from old vines. Other regions like Canada, the USA and India are also producing high-quality Chenin Blanc. The wines that received…
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Australian Wine Industry Faces New Challenges
The Financial Times newspaper is reporting (might have gone behind paywall by the time you read this) how, in the 1980s, the Australian wine industry faced severe challenges, with some family businesses, like the Calabria family, resorting to washing bottles for others to stay afloat. Today, the industry faces even greater difficulties, particularly as global consumers move away from lower-priced commercial wines. The situation has led to a significant restructuring, with major players like Treasury Wine Estates and Accolade Wines selling off parts of their businesses. A major blow came in 2020 when China imposed tariffs on Australian wine, collapsing…
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Decanter Weekday Wines
Decanter Magazine regularly features a “Weekday Wines” section showcasing top wines under £20, along with a “Weekend Wines” section highlighting selections priced between £20 and £50. These sections focus on the more affordable end of the wine spectrum, making quality wines accessible to a broader audience. I’m pleased to say that some of the wines I’ve picked out from huge number I’ve tasted at press events over the past six months have also been recognised by Decanter. In their latest issue for August 2024, they’ve highlighted the Luis Felipe Edwards ‘Signature Series’ Viognier Reserva and the Gibson ‘The Dirtman’ Shiraz,…
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BBQ Wine Tasting
During July and August, when press tastings are few and far between, I decided to host a few wine tastings at home. For this tasting, I invited PR agencies, importers and retailers to submit wines that would be suitable for a BBQ setting. Ten family members and friends, all sharing my enthusiasm for wine, participated in the tasting, with one exception – someone who didn’t drink but still offered some insightful comments on the aromas. The wines were paired with BBQ food, including beef burgers, sausages, fish (prawns) and a variety of salads, allowing us to assess how well each…
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Majestic Italian Wine Tasting
In August 2024, I went to an Italian wine tasting at my local Majestic in Woking, just a few doors down from the infamous Woking Pizza Express. It was an enjoyable evening, sampling a variety of Italian wines, including Franciacorta, Soave, Gavi, Greco Di Tufo, a Rosso Veronese, Chianti and a Brunello. Among these, a few wines stood out as particularly memorable. Gavi Groppella La Chiara DOCG 2023 (12.5%)Made entirely from 100% Cortese di Gavi grapes, I thought this wine was the best of the evening. The 45-year-old vines and the 10-month aging in 225-litre French oak barriques imparted a…
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Tesco Expands Wine Selection with 16 New Premium Additions
Drinks Retailing is reporting Tesco has introduced 16 new wines to its range, sourced from Bibendum, focusing on English wines, Prosecco and premium South American wines. Some of these wines are new to the UK market, with some brands making their first appearance in Tesco. The new listings include: Tesco Finest English White (Balfour)Tesco Finest English Rosé (Balfour)Bottega Cru Nuance Prosecco DOC BrutBottega Nero Silk Prosecco DOC Extra DryAngelica Zapata ChardonnayMount Rozier Classics Chenin Blanc (Journey’s End)Mount Rozier Classics Merlot (Journey’s End)LFE Gran Reserva MerlotLFE Gran Reserva Roussanne MarsanneKingscote English Sparkling Brut (MDCV)Kingscote English Sparkling Brut Rosé (MDCV)La Masseria del…
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ASDA Extra Special Pinotage
Having recently enjoyed this wine at an Asda press tasting, I decided to purchase a bottle to experience it in a different setting. This wine comes from South Africa. Pinotage originated in 1925 as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut and was developed by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. It’s usually known for its typically deep colour and bold flavour. The 2022 vintage of ASDA Extra Special Pinotage has a lighter colour than is typical. On the nose, there is a hint of blackcurrant but it is pleasantly devoid of the volatile acidity…
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Wine With Nuts
Nuts can be paired effectively with both red and white wines but the specific pairing often depends on the type of nut and its preparation. For red wines, walnuts work well with bold varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, as their rich flavour complements the intensity of these wines. Pecans are a great match for medium-bodied reds such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, while hazelnuts pair nicely with lighter reds like Pinot Noir, which enhances their earthy notes. If you’re serving spicy nuts, consider a sweeter wine like Riesling or Malvasia to balance the heat. Heavily roasted nuts generally require…
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New Rioja Viñedos Singulares Parcels
Rioja Viñedos Singulares is a special designation within the Rioja wine region, introduced in 2017 to recognise and highlight wines from unique, single vineyards. This classification emphasises the distinctiveness of specific vineyard sites and aims to showcase the terroir and unique characteristics of these plots. A Viñedos Singulares vineyard must be at least 35 years old. Yields must be at least 20% lower than the usual DOCa level. A maximum grape-to-wine ratio of 65% compared to the standard 70% is required. The vineyard must be owned or rented on a long-term basis for at least 10 years. The wines must…
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Jas des Vignes Rosé Méditerranée
This Provence-style rosé from Ravoire & Fils, a family-owned producer in the IGP Méditerranée region, is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. The main label sits proudly at the top of the bottle, drawing attention to its shapely bottle, a hallmark of Provence-style rosé bottles. The grapes are picked at night to preserve their aromatic integrity. It’s rated highly on Vivino with a commendable score of 3.9. It was commended by IWC in 2023. The Jas des Vignes Rosé 2023 delivers a dry palate that perfectly balances fruit and freshness. The initial taste is dominated by the notes of…
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Villa Maria at Asda
Following on from my previous two posts on wine offers, I have come across a great reduction on Villa Maria Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc that I found to be ‘the best of them all’ at the Hatch Mansfield (importer) tasting and is one of my picks. It’s currently on offer, only at Asda, for £13, reduced from £16. The Private Bin Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough is also currently on offer at Asda for £8 (down from £10.50). I reviewed this wine separately and found the latest vintage to be excellent, also making it one of my top picks.
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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