Austria’s wine exports hit a high, but Brexit Britain proves 'challenging'

Austrian wine exports reached a record level in 2022 in terms of value, with Canada, the US and northern Europe among the thirstiest markets.

Cramele Recas rolls out rPET Danube project to UK

Romanian winemaker Cramele Recas is launching first-of-its-kind wine bottles made entirely from recycled plastic recovered from the Danube, targeting Europe and the UK, following a successful trial in Germany.

Dry whites come to the fore at Furmint February

Wines of Hungary hosted its fifth Furmint February tasting on Monday (20 February), to some 350 visitors, featuring a snapshot of dry whites from the 2021 vintage and a handful from a promising 2022 vintage as well.

Slovak Wines stand up to be counted

With a surge of new estates and young winemakers on show, the Embassy of Slovakia showcased the very best the region has to offer at its London tasting this week at 67 Pall Mall.

Greek wine makes a splash as Maltby & Greek goes solo

A tasting focused on solely on Greek wine, from Amyndeon in the north west to Santorini and everything in between, made a big splash at Vagabond Wine’s Monument outpost earlier this week, in what is believed to be the biggest single tasting of Greek wine ever to be held in London. 

Long read: Checking in with Czechia

Fresh from Moravia, David Furer finds a new wave of modernity delivering much promise in an old region.

Ukraine becomes the 49th OIV Member State

The OIV, the intergovernmental viticulture organisation, has announced Ukraine as an active member state from 30 October 2022.

Headline Heroes: Austria’s emerging gem

Being recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site certainly helps turn heads when Austria’s Neusiedlersee DAC tells its as yet largely unknown story. Not least because this relatively compact appellation, with 6,239ha of vineyards wrapped around the eastern and southern half of the lake from which it takes its name, combines diverse terroirs with the ability to produce high-quality wines that reflect the status of the region. Moreover, this is Austria’s sunniest winegrowing area, but with cool nights matching warm growing days, all moderated by the lake. And the resultant wines are typified by cool fruit character and fresh, delicate acidity, which can deliver an appealing combination of elegance and depth.

Tiwari House joins the Bancroft Portfolio

UK-based wine distributor Bancroft Wines has added Tiwari House to its Hungarian portfolio. 

English wine comes of age at the UK’s wine ‘BAFTAs’

English and Welsh wine appears to have entered a new era of maturity, as ‘newcomers’ to the scene continue to rake in accolades alongside more established names.

Economic crisis worsens for Lebanon as harvest approaches

Lebanese winery IXSIR has called on exporters to help boost sales of its products abroad, as the country continues to fight ongoing crippling inflation and energy shortages.

Chateau Ksara upgrades sustainability initiatives to tackle “extreme” climate pressure

Chateau Ksara, a leading Lebanese wine producer and one of the country’s oldest companies, has announced it is pushing forward with a roster of new climate action initiatives to tackle “extreme pressure” on natural resources.

Ukrainian wines seek independents

Against many odds, a first shipment of 8,232 bottles has left Ukraine as part of a new initiative by Propeller designed to support its producers by bringing its wines to the UK.

Ukrainian vodka supports fundraising for British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal

Emporia, a spirits importer, is teaming up with several bars across the UK to serve cocktails with the Ukrainian Vodka ‘Staritsky Levitsky, Private Cellar’. 

National Wine Agency of Georgia announces expanded campaign for the UK

Following another year of strong export growth in the UK, the National Wine Agency of Georgia has confirmed an expanded promotional campaign for Britain.

Expanded indie-focused campaign follows rise in Georgia imports

Georgia’s national promotional body has teased a number of new initiatives in the UK market after 2020 showed a marked increase in the number of importers, wholesalers and retailers working with Georgian wines.

Long Read: Orange wine leads the pack at the newly organic Cramele Recas

Cramele Recas, Romania’s largest winery, has reached a major landmark in its march towards organic winemaking, with its first certificated organic wines now reaching the UK.

Q&A: Karim Johnny Saadé, Bargylus and Château Marsyas

Flint Wines makes Greek debut

Santorini-based Vassaltis Vineyards will be joining the ranks at Flint Wines, marking the first time the distributor has listed wines from the country.

IXSIR powers through Lebanon challenges to declare healthy vintage

Leading Lebanese winery IXSIR is reporting a “healthy” 2020 vintage, despite the harvest beginning within days of the deadly explosion that rocked Beirut and increasing Covid-19 restrictions.