News

Issues affecting the wine industry and the wine you drink

  • How Climate Change is Affecting Bordeaux Wine Producers

    How Climate Change is Affecting Bordeaux Wine Producers

    New research examines the impact of climate change on the income of wine producers in the Bordeaux region. The study analyses the relationship between climate variables, vineyard characteristics and economic performance. The findings indicate that rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns significantly affect vineyard yields and income, with high temperatures during the bloom period (May…

  • Australian Wine Report

    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…

  • A New Type of International Wine

    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…

  • Wine, Flavonoids and Health

    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…

  • Insights from the ProWein Business Report 2025

    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…

  • The Effects of Climate Change on Winemaking

    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,…

  • Insights from Vivino vs Expert Bordeaux Reviews

    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,…

  • Exploring Regional Differences in Wine Tasting

    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…

  • Sparkling Wine, Champagne and Premium Own-Label Fuelled Christmas Growth in UK

    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…

  • The Battle Between Science and Prohibitionists

    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…

  • French Red Wine Faces Crisis Amid Changing Tastes

    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…

  • EU Sparkling Wine Production and Exports Down 8%

    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…

  • Global Surge in No-Alcohol Drinks

    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…

  • Ensure You’re Getting the Right Measure in Bars and Pubs

    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…

  • Trends for 2025

    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…

  • Mental Approaches for Assessing Wines

    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…

  • Free Chianti Classico Course

    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,…

  • Lowest Wine Output Since 1961

    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…

  • Waitrose Food & Drink Report 2024

    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….

  • Exploring Plant-Based Alternatives to Sulphur Dioxide in Winemaking

    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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Did You Know?

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More

Local UK bottling of wine which 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