News
Issues affecting the wine industry and the wine you drink
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Australian Wine Report
A new report provides insights into Australian wine exports for the year ending December 2024. A significant theme was the surge in exports to mainland China following the removal of import tariffs in March 2024, which drove a 34% increase in export value to AUD 2.55 billion and a 7% rise in volume to 649…
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A New Type of International Wine
Wine sold in the UK no longer needs to originate from one country because of Brexit, which freed the UK from EU regulations, including those governing wine production and labelling. Under EU law, wines that combine EU and non-EU fruit are prohibited, reflecting a strict adherence to the concept of terroir. Terroir emphasises the unique…
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Wine, Flavonoids and Health
With much debate surrounding wine’s impact on health, here’s some balancing news. New research (pdf) offers an in-depth look at flavonoids, compounds found in wine that might tip the scales in favour of moderate consumption. In red wine, flavonoids make up as much as 90% of its phenolic content. These phenols, largely derived from the…
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Insights from the ProWein Business Report 2025
The new ProWein Business Report 2025, based on a survey of over 1,300 wine industry experts from more than 30 countries, highlights the challenges and trends shaping the global wine market. The report explains the importance of adapting to economic pressures, changing consumer preferences and evolving industry demands. Economic challenges and shifting consumer behaviour remain…
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The Effects of Climate Change on Winemaking
Researchers from Italy have put together a useful paper (pdf) on the effects of climate change on wine composition and winemaking processes, focusing on the challenges posed and strategies to address them. This research is relevant because climate change will increasingly alter the flavour profiles, quality and availability of wines. It highlights how increasing temperatures,…
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Insights from Vivino vs Expert Bordeaux Reviews
A new paper from Cambridge University Press examines the validity of crowdsourced wine ratings, focusing on the Vivino platform, by comparing them with professional critics’ assessments and exploring their sensitivity to weather variations that impact wine quality. Using a dataset of Bordeaux red wines, the study finds substantial correlation between Vivino ratings and professional evaluations,…
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Exploring Regional Differences in Wine Tasting
The new study (pdf) explores whether distinct groups of wine experts differ in their sensory and quality assessments of the same wines. Blind tastings were conducted with panels from two Canadian regions, the Okanagan Valley and Montreal, which have different socio-cultural and training backgrounds. The Okanagan panel included winemakers and winery employees with training in…
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Sparkling Wine, Champagne and Premium Own-Label Fuelled Christmas Growth in UK
Kantar data shows that sparkling wine and Champagne were standout performers in the UK festive retail market, with sales growing by 4.4% to reach a total of £187 million across December 2024. This increase reflects a strong consumer appetite for celebratory drinks during the holiday season, despite rising grocery price inflation. Fortified wines also saw…
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The Battle Between Science and Prohibitionists
David Morrison argues on his blog that current medical evidence does not support the claim that moderate wine consumption is harmful, though public health messaging has increasingly taken a prohibitionist stance. He critiques official health organisations, such as the WHO and the UK Chief Medical Officers, for their stringent guidelines on alcohol, pointing out a…
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French Red Wine Faces Crisis Amid Changing Tastes
The FT newspaper is reporting (link started free but might be behind paywall by the time you read this) that the French red wine industry is facing a severe decline as younger generations increasingly shift away from red wine, opting for rosé, beer, spirits, or alcohol-free alternatives and some avoid alcohol altogether. Consumption of red…
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EU Sparkling Wine Production and Exports Down 8%
Eurostat, the EU’s official statistics body, is reporting an 8% decline in sparkling wine production and exports in 2023 (yes, 2023, see below). The EU produced 1.496 billion litres of sparkling wine, down from 1.624 billion litres in 2022. Italy led production with 638 million litres, followed by France with 312 million (224 million litres…
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Global Surge in No-Alcohol Drinks
The IWSR (International Wine and Spirits Research) is a top authority on global alcohol beverage market data, analysis and insights, providing strategic intelligence to the industry. According to the IWSR No- and Low-Alcohol Strategic Study 2024, the market is experiencing a transformative shift, driven by younger consumers and evolving preferences. Across 10 key markets, including…
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Ensure You’re Getting the Right Measure in Bars and Pubs
Swindon link is reporting on a survey conducted by Swindon Borough Council’s Trading Standards team revealed that some pubs and bars in the borough are serving short measures of alcohol. During inspections of ten venues, officers found that 70 per cent of drinks purchased were below the legally prescribed quantities under The Weights and Measures…
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Trends for 2025
Bibendum’s Top 6 Wine Trends for 2025 highlights emerging preferences in the wine industry, based on the analysis of cutting-edge venues using the ‘Wine MODE’ tool. This is based on changes seen on UK on-trade (hospitality) wine lists. French Aligoté is gaining recognition as a standalone varietal due to improved ripening from global warming, now…
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Mental Approaches for Assessing Wines
A new study looks at how two different mental approaches, mindfulness and thought suppression, affect the ability to smell and assess wines. Mindfulness, which involves staying present and accepting your feelings and sensations without judgment, helped people better notice the intensity of smells in the wines. However, it made them less likely to judge whether…
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Free Chianti Classico Course
The Consorzi Vini e Olio Classico online platform offers a free educational course on Black Rooster DOP wines and oils, exploring the history, terroir, and production of Chianti Classico. The five-module programme covers topics such as the region’s ancient history, modern challenges, grape and olive varieties, and production techniques. You will learn about Sangiovese grapes,…
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Lowest Wine Output Since 1961
The OIV’s new 2024 World Wine Production Outlook (PDF) highlights a challenging year for the global wine industry, with production estimated at 227 to 235 million hectolitres, reflecting a 2% decline from 2023 and a 13% decrease compared to the ten-year average. This marks the lowest global output since 1961, primarily driven by adverse climatic…
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Waitrose Food & Drink Report 2024
Waitrose have a new Food and Drink Report based on a survey of over 3,200 people who have shopped at Waitrose in the preceding three months to October 2024. The findings highlight a noticeable shift in customer drinking habits. Sales of no- and low-alcohol wines have risen significantly, up by 17% compared to previous periods….
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Exploring Plant-Based Alternatives to Sulphur Dioxide in Winemaking
Winemaking has long relied on sulphur dioxide (SO₂) for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, ensuring the stability and quality of wines. However, slight concerns about its health impacts and allergenic potential have prompted the search for natural alternatives. Recent research highlights the potential of a plant-based tannin blend (referred to as SDR) as a substitute…
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Protest Against February Duty Hike on Wine
Tim Atkin, Master of Wine, has announced that wine friends are coming together to protest against the exorbitant and potentially devastating February duty hike on wine in the UK. To join the campaign, send a flattened wine capsule or screwcap to Rachel Reeves at HM Treasury, 1 Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ, with a…
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