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Simon Judge

  • New Marketing Campaign for Diablo Brand

    New Marketing Campaign for Diablo Brand

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    Drinks Retailing has recently revealed that Concha y Toro, the large Chilean wine producer, is rolling out a fresh marketing campaign for its Diablo wine brand. The brand, which has seen a significant popularity, is now estimated to be worth a large £15 million in retail sales. One of the highlights of this campaign is the ‘House of Diablo’ event, scheduled for November 9, 2023. This immersive experience will captivate attendees with a screening of the new film, ‘The Exorcist: Believer’. Consumers have the chance to win tickets to the event through on-pack promotions available with the wine. The marketing…

  • Masso Antico Negroamaro

    Masso Antico Negroamaro

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    The Masso Antico Negroamaro from Salento, Puglia, comes with a reputation that sets high expectations. Awarded a gold medal at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2021 and rated 4.1 on Vivino, not to mention its IWSC bronze, this organic wine certainly has a lot to live up to. Upon uncorking, the first thing that strikes you is the colour—a youthful and thin hue that suggests a relatively young vintage, although the bottle doesn’t specify the year. The bouquet is advertised as intense, but I found it less so, lacking the robustness one might expect from a Negroamaro, a grape…

  • How Interior Design Can Enhance the Enjoyment of Wine

    How Interior Design Can Enhance the Enjoyment of Wine

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    Campo Viejo has recently unveiled a study that looks into the relationship between interior spaces and the enjoyment of the wine served within them. The study’s findings suggest that the design and ambiance of a space can significantly influence our sensory experiences, particularly when it comes to experiencing wine. The experiment, though small in scale, was designed to gauge the impact of environmental context on the perception and pleasure derived from wine. A group of forty-two participants was chosen for this unique tasting experience. Each participant tasted the same wine, but what changed was the setting. The wine was served…

  • Feliz Rioja, November 2023

    Feliz Rioja, November 2023

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    This November, the UK will have Feliz Rioja, a month-long event set to highlight the prominence of the Rioja wine-producing region across various outlets in the UK. Independent retailers, restaurants and wine bars throughout the country have registered their participation. With over 100 outlets involved, the event aims to provide a comprehensive exposure to Rioja wines. The Rioja region in Spain is distinguished for its diverse wine production. The wines range from reds to whites, each with specific characteristics attributed to the region’s unique terroir and winemaking techniques. In-store tastings will be organised across participating outlets, allowing consumers to directly…

  • Flooding in South Africa Could Disrupt Your Favourite Wines

    Flooding in South Africa Could Disrupt Your Favourite Wines

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    The South African wine industry is facing a new set of challenges that could potentially disrupt the supply and quality of wines from the region. According to a recent article on Wine Spectator, South African winemakers are grappling with flooding, which has caused significant damage to vineyards and infrastructure. This comes on top of the already existing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and previous flooding in June 2023. Flooding can have a devastating impact on vineyards. Excessive water can lead to soil erosion, root rot and the spread of diseases such downy mildew. This can result in a lower…

  • 25% off Wine at Waitrose

    25% off Wine at Waitrose

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    Waitrose has 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced £6 or over from 1 November to 7 November inclusive.

  • Tesco’s Finest Wine Labels Get a Makeover

    Tesco’s Finest Wine Labels Get a Makeover

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    Drinks Retailing is reporting that Tesco has started to update the labels of its Finest range of wines. The move aims to enrich the customer experience by using the labels to tell the story behind each wine. This initiative is part of Tesco’s broader strategy to enhance its Finest packaging and offer consumers a more premium feel. The redesigned labels are not just more aesthetically pleasing but also more informative. For example, the Tesco Finest Blanquette de Limoux now has a handwritten label that emphasises the tradition this wine. Several of these new designs are already available in-store and the…

  • Time to Wine Down

    Time to Wine Down

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  • The Growth and Challenges of the Prosecco DOC Industry

    The Growth and Challenges of the Prosecco DOC Industry

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    A new research paper “Dominant business models and sustainable long-term growth, A System Dynamics-based analysis of the Prosecco wine industry” (pdf) investigates the strong growth of the Prosecco (DOC) industry and its implications for long-term sustainability. The industry’s great rise can be attributed to a variety of factors. Regulatory changes in 2009 significantly expanded the production area for Prosecco, transforming it into an international success. This was coupled with a rapid increase in production capacity, which allowed the industry to offer competitive pricing. The number of bottles produced escalated from 140 million in 2010 to 627 million in 2021. Another…

  • Triade Rosso IGT Puglia

    Triade Rosso IGT Puglia

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    Triade Rosso is a interesting red wine from Puglia in Italy. This blend combines three grape varieties: Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Nero di Troia. The result is a wine that is deep red in colour, offering a different type of complexity. On the nose, the wine greets you with a bouquet of blueberries, dark cherries, cinnamon and black pepper. The taste is pleasing and spicy, with subtle hints of chocolate and oak that add depth to the flavour. The wine has gained a 3.8 rating on Vivino, which suggests it has been well-received. As someone who counts Primitivo and Negroamaro among…

  • Good Housekeeping’s German Rieslings

    Good Housekeeping’s German Rieslings

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    The Good Housekeeping Institute’s annual Wine Awards panel, consisting of 10 WSET-accredited experts, sampled various bottles to identify the Best German Rieslings, for 2023. German Riesling wines are renowned for their sophisticated flavours, intricate depth, and invigorating zest. These wines offer a spectrum of tastes, from exceedingly dry to delightfully sweet, and usually feature a lower alcohol content, around 8-11% ABV. Apart from one from Laithwaites, they are all from supermarkets. Gunderloch Riesling Dry QbAABV: 12%Price: £17Available at: OcadoThis dry Riesling is a favourite among connoisseurs, offering a burst of green bell pepper and citrus zest. It’s an ideal companion…

  • Varietal Wine

    Varietal Wine

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    Varietal wine is made mainly from a single grape variety and its label usually indicates this. It aims to showcase the unique characteristics of that specific grape. On the other hand, many wines are blends for several reasons. Blending can add complexity by combining the attributes of different grape varieties. It also allows for more consistent quality across vintages, especially when weather conditions vary. In some regions, blending is part of the traditional winemaking process. Additionally, marketing and legal factors come into play. For example, a wine might be labelled with a specific grape variety to attract consumers even if…

  • Specially Selected Rioja Rosado

    Specially Selected Rioja Rosado

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    Aldi’s Specially Selected Rioja Rosado 2022 has a DOC certification. While it’s advertised as being pink, I think the wine has a more golden hue. My wife, who picked this wine from Aldi, likens its taste to that of rosehip cordial. It’s a dry wine with a hint of fruitiness, making it ok on its own but I think it’s better when paired with food. The 2021 vintage of this wine was handpicked by Olly Smith. Priced at £5.49 at the time of writing this review, down from £6.49, it offers good value, especially considering the 2021 vintage was priced…

  • Hiding Behind the Glass

    Hiding Behind the Glass

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  • French Winemakers Destroy Spanish Wine

    French Winemakers Destroy Spanish Wine

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    The Telegraph newspaper has reported that, in a striking move against what they see as unfair competition, around 500 French wine makers from Narbonne and Perpignan stopped lorries importing Spanish wines at the border town of Boulou. They emptied thousands of gallons of rosé and smashed 10,000 bottles of Spanish sparkling wine on the roads. The protest was against the low prices of foreign wines, which they believe undercuts their own products. Frédéric Rouanet, president of a wine growers’ union, announced this as the beginning of an ‘economic war’ against cheap imports. The situation has been described by the wine…

  • New record: Most wine glasses balanced on the head

    New record: Most wine glasses balanced on the head

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    62-year-old Aristotelis Valaoritis from Cyprus has broken the Guinness World Record for balancing the most wine glasses on the head. Glass dancing, a popular spectacle at Cypriot weddings and special occasions, involves the performer moving around while balancing glasses on their head. Valaoritis, a security advisor by profession, has been a long-time practitioner of this art form, entertaining crowds in restaurants since 1995. Valaoritis managed to balance 319 empty wine glasses on his head, breaking the previous record of 270 set by Ntinos Kkanti, also from Cyprus, in 2022 The video on X, formerly Twitter, records this feat and the…

  • Super Tuscan

    Super Tuscan

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    A Super Tuscan wine refers to red wines produced in Tuscany, Italy, that don’t adhere to the traditional wine-making rules of the region. In the 1970s, some Tuscan wine producers began to feel constrained by the strict wine-making regulations of the region. These rules dictated which grape varieties could be used, the methods of production and even the ageing process. To experiment and innovate beyond these regulations, a few producers started crafting wines using non-traditional grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Though these wines couldn’t be labelled with prestigious denominations like Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino because they…

  • Do Wine Reviews Matter?

    Do Wine Reviews Matter?

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    There’s recent research (PDF) looking into the impact of peer preferences and expert reviews on consumer behaviour, specifically for products like wine that consumers can sample. Through two experimental studies, the research identified that when consumers taste wines, their own rating significantly influences their willingness to pay (WTP). A one-star increase in their rating can lead to an approximate $3 increase in WTP. Even after tasting, peer and expert ratings continue to play a role, with a one-star rise resulting in a $1.96 and $1.15 increase in WTP respectively. Interestingly, the study observed little difference in the weighting consumers give…

  • New UK Wine Reforms Announced

    New UK Wine Reforms Announced

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    The UK government has announced a series of reforms aimed at boosting investment and easing regulatory burdens on the wine industry. Set to take effect in 2024, these changes are part of a broader strategy to modernise the sector and encourage sustainable practices. The reforms were announced are the result of a public consultation. The existing regulations governing the wine industry have long been considered cumbersome and restrictive. Feedback from industry stakeholders highlighted that the current 400-page rulebook has been stifling innovation and preventing the introduction of more efficient and sustainable practices. The reforms are designed to remove these constraints…

  • The Evolving Advice for UK Wine Buying

    The Evolving Advice for UK Wine Buying

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    The UK’s wine market is undergoing a transformation, influenced by factors like the cost of living crisis, Brexit and new alcohol duty regulations. David Williams, a wine writer for The Guardian newspaper, has some advice for navigating this shifting landscape. David says the new baseline for a good, everyday bottle is £8 rather than £5.99. The range that offers the best value for your money has also changed. While it used to be between £8 and £12, the new sweet spot is £12 to £15. In this price range, you’re not just covering the costs of duty, VAT and logistics…

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Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Aldi | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20

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Buying | Menu Ordering | Labels | Drinking | Storing | Pairing

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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