The Comité Champagne has announced that Chardonnay Rose has become an authorised grape variety in the famed region. The grape – a natural mutation of Chardonnay Blanc – is the eighth grape variety to be recognised in the Champagne appellation specifications (cahier de charges).
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The growth in exports of Portuguese wines to the UK over the past 10 years has been nothing less than remarkable. According to data from Wines of Portugal, the overall volume of Portuguese wine sales to the UK almost doubled between 2015 and 2024, rising from 9.6m litres to just shy of 16.9m. Over the same period, the value growth has been even more impressive jumping from just under €21.5m (£18.8m) to well over double that figure at €48.5m (£42.3m). This growth did not go unnoticed at one of Portugal’s most well-known drinks producers – the Fladgate Partnership. In a first for a company whose flagship product Taylor’s Port dates back over 330 years, the producer added table wine to its portfolio in August 2023 after acquiring Ideal Drinks, taking ownership of estates in Bairrada, the Vinho Verde and the Dão.
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Winemakers in California have begun their harvest following a long, consistent growing season. Grapes were able to mature gradually in 2025 following a mild summer which was preceded by a cool spring.
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Sussex winery Sugrue South Downs has announced a new group of investors including well-loved chef Angela Hartnett (pictured, centre).
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Spanish wine heavyweight Familia Torres has announced a pilot solar project at one of its vineyards in the Penedès as part of the Solarwine project.
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Italy’s wine sector is expected to produce 47.4m hls of wine this year. The figure, compiled by Assoenologi, ISMEA and the Unione Italiana Vini (UIV), represents an +8% rise compared to 2024’s harvest.
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The 2025 harvest in the Rhône has commenced, starting 10 days earlier than last year’s grape gathering.
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Tejo Wines has announced updated regulations for the region’s lower-alcohol and dealcoholised wines. The move follows approval by the Tejo General Council (CVR), as well as official recognition by the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho (IVV).
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The Consorzio Tutela del Vino Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco has become an official supporter of the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW).
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Argentina’s Alto Agrelo has become the fifth wine region in Mendoza’s Luján de Cuyo to receive protected Geographical Indication status from The National Institute of Viticulture (INV).
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Hallgarten & Novum Wines is inviting applications for its second educational trip to Greece, aimed at helping to advance Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) in hospitality and wine.
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Wine agency and distributor Brand Phoenix has unveiled a new partnership with New South Wales-based McWilliam's Wines.
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The Sommelier Wine Awards 2025 results for the Merchant Awards and Producer Awards categories are now revealed, both online and in this month’s print edition of Harpers.
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Scotch whisky giant William Grant & Sons (WG&S) has added The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands to its portfolio.
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I doubt many of us have actually been called on to adjust the course of a mighty oil tanker at sea, nevertheless, we understand the notion of the time and effort required to do such a thing. This is, metaphorically, what the Rhône is attempting to do now. According to agricultural body FranceAgrimer, red wine consumption in France has halved over the past 30 years.
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French wine on-trade sales have taken a hit over the past year, though bright spots are present, with a strong showing in the off-trade for Gallic labels by contrast. Off-trade performance is partly spurred by French sparkling – according to Kantar’s Take Home Purchase Panel the category grew 24% and 4.6% in terms of volume and value respectively over the past five years – the diverging figures potentially illustrating the promise of categories such as Crémant.
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The Loire remains one of France’s greatest export success stories: a touchstone for fresh, vibrant and multifaceted wines that pair irresistibly and effortlessly with food. Moreover, in a zeitgeist where ‘cost-of-living crisis’ has become part of the everyday lexicon, the region stands out for offering consistently high quality at reasonable prices. For the independent sector – where delivering value has never been more crucial – that’s a combination not to be overlooked.
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The annual English Wine Week celebration of homegrown still and sparkling wine is back from 21-29 June with its busiest roster of consumer-facing events to date.
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Maison Ruinart’s cellar master Frédéric Panaïotis passed away on 15 June, aged just 60.
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North South Wines, the Bicester-based importer, has bolstered its Provençal rosé offering with the addition of Château Sainte Roseline to its range.
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