Insights

Climate Change Forces British Columbia to Question Its Future

When people talk about climate change, they usually focus on rising temperatures. In January 2024, however, it was dramatic cold snap that decimated vines in British Columbia. Now, growers and wineries have big decisions to make. Michaela Morris reports.

Reading time: 6m 30s

France Considers How Far its Vineyards Need to Shrink

The French government is almost certain to fund the uprooting of another 37,500ha of vineyards, in addition to up to 9,000ha that have already been earmarked for grubbing up in Bordeaux. Some estimates suggest that five times this area will have to go.

Reading time: 4m 15s

Hendrik Thoma: "The Industry Needs More Sex Appeal"

A conversation with German Master Sommelier Hendrik Thoma about audience-driven social media communication and the importance of proper storytelling.

Reading time: 6m

Blue Zone Research: Sorry, Wine May Not Help You to Live to 100 After All

A new study debunks the wine-friendly Blue Zones story. Felicity Carter reports.

Reading time: 3m 30s

Harvard Researchers and Leading Statistician Stand Up to the WHO

Medical researchers, e.g. from Harvard University, disagree with the WHO's advice against drinking any alcohol. And even Tim Stockwell, one of the people most closely associated with that messaging says that the risks from 'low level' drinking are 'tiny'.

Reading time: 4m

A New Wine Tourism Initiative Plus Ways to Enter the Chinese Market

The recent Wine Business Forum organised by New Zealand Winegrowers considered everything from wine tourism to e-commerce in China. Felicity Carter reports.

Reading time: 7m 30s

Gigondas: White Cru

One of the most prestigious appellations in the southern Rhône has now been granted permission to produce white wine. What’s the story behind this new white Cru from the Rhône, and how do these new wines perform?

Reading time: 4m 45s

White Zin: Despised, Under-Appreciated, and Now in Decline

Instead of ignoring White Zin, the US market should have been paying close attention, says Jeff Siegel. The demise of this popular style may have been a warning.

Reading time: 5m 

Australia Still Putting Too Many Eggs in the Chinese Basket

Australian wine producers can celebrate what looks like a very successful reopening of their Chinese market. But sales elsewhere are falling - which may be a cause for concern. Robert Joseph takes a look.

Reading time: 5m

Drinking Wine With Meals Has Health Benefits. For Some

New research from Spain reveals possible health benefits of drinking wine with food. For people over 60 years of age with other health or economic concerns.

Reading time: 1m 10s

Another Publicly Traded Company Fails

The stock market and the wine business appear to be a match made in hell. Jeff Siegel asks the experts why.

Reading time: 4m 58s

How TikTok Could Transform the Wine Industry

BookTok has turned the sleepy publishing industry upside down, driving sales and creating mammoth bestsellers. Could it do the same for wine? Felicity Carter takes a look.

Reading time: 4m 45s

The Cost of Premiumisation

The wine trade has always wanted people to drink less but better, and now they are. But US industry watchers tell Felicity Carter that this strategy carries risks.

Reading time: 7m

Jamie Ritchie Bets on the Digital Future of Fine Wine and Spirits

The former Head of Wine at Sotheby’s has been present at every pivotal fine wine moment of the past 30 years. And now he’s switched course again. Felicity Carter reports.

Reading time: 7m 15s

 

Bordeaux Reduces its Surplus

A combination of a small crop, vine-removal and crisis distillation seems to be returning Bordeaux stocks to a more balanced level.

Reading time: 45s