The Drinks Business reports that Lidl is set to become the first retailer to launch an Asti Rosé after the new DOCG category was introduced, with Allini Asti Rosé expected in selected UK stores from July through a partnership with Fratelli Martini, as Asti producers look to revive the denomination after a reported 9% global sales decline in 2025.
Simon Judge
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Georgia to Auction Stalin’s 40,000-Bottle Wine Collection
Reuters reports that Georgia has opened a Tbilisi vault containing roughly 40,000 French and Georgian wines once owned by Joseph Stalin, with plans to auction the collection and use proceeds to fund a wine education school. The bottles include 19th and 20th century rarities, some linked to the Romanov imperial collection, and officials hope the sale will raise Georgia’s profile among collectors.
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California Responds to Vineyard Pest Found on Costco Grapevines
Wine Industry Advisor reports that the California Department of Food and Agriculture is working with Costco and county officials after glassy-winged sharpshooter insects were found on grapevines sold at selected Northern California Costco stores between 21 April and 19 May. The pest spreads the bacterium that causes Pierce’s disease, a fatal grapevine disease, and officials have begun containment efforts, customer notifications and inspection guidance across affected counties.
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Alternative Wine Demand Grows, but Barriers Remain
Wine Industry Insight led its Daily News with IWSR findings that regular wine drinkers are showing growing interest in alternative wines, including natural, organic and sustainable products. The same item flags barriers including limited choice, weak perceptions of value and lower engagement among older consumers, suggesting the category has momentum but still needs clearer positioning and broader availability.
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Australia’s Endeavour to Slash Wine Production Amid Asset Sell-Off
Harpers reports that Endeavour Group will cut grape production by 80%, close four of its seven wineries and one packaging facility, and sell vineyards and assets linked to three premium brands. The Australian retail giant, owner of Dan Murphy’s and BWS, says the move is part of a strategic reshaping of its Pinnacle Drinks business, with more focus on brands showing proven retail demand and greater reliance on bulk wine and grape sourcing from the wider market.
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UK Wine Wholesaler To Be Liquidated After Off-Books Sales
The Drinks Business reports that south London wholesaler New Claire Wine has appointed liquidators after an HMRC probe found more than 9,700 cases of wine had been bought “off the books”. The case centres on a £427,310 back-tax claim and a legal distinction between deliberate inaccuracies and dishonesty, with the company’s appeal dismissed.
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Kylie Minogue Wines Passes 27 Million Bottles Sold
The Drinks Business reports that Kylie Minogue Wines has surpassed 27 million bottles sold worldwide, equal to more than 135 million glasses. The brand now spans 36 markets, has nine wines across rosé, sparkling and no and low categories, and claims leading UK positions in premium branded rosé, Prosecco Rosé and no and low sparkling rosé.
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Lambrusco’s Revival Gains Momentum
Wine-Searcher reports that Lambrusco is continuing its comeback, with a new generation of producers and restaurants helping the style move beyond its 1980s reputation. The renewed interest is being driven by its food friendliness, freshness and broader appeal to diners looking for expressive, versatile sparkling reds.
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Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie Moves to Control 2026 Supply
WineCouture reports that Consorzio DOC Delle Venezie has approved new 2026 harvest measures to protect the value and stability of Northeastern Italy’s Pinot Grigio. The maximum yield has been set at 160 quintals per hectare, with 30 quintals held in administrative stock, a move designed to avoid oversupply and support market positioning.
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Napa Valley Warned Over Unsustainable Water Use
New York Post reports that Napa Valley wineries are facing renewed concern over groundwater use, after county data showed 2025 pumping above the level considered sustainable. The report says officials are looking at conservation incentives, irrigation checks and updated water analysis, while producers are also dealing with weaker wine demand and high regulatory costs.
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Douro Port Producers Warn of a Deepening Crisis
The Times reports that Portugal’s Douro Valley, the historic home of port, is under pressure from falling consumption, rising costs and a disputed law that would require port to be fortified only with brandy distilled from Douro grapes. Producers argue that the change could sharply increase costs and damage sales, while supporters say it could help local growers, leaving the region facing a difficult debate over how to modernise without undermining its traditional economy.
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French Beer Overtakes Wine Consumption
The Drinks Business reports that beer has overtaken wine consumption in France for the first time in modern history, with Brasseurs de France putting beer consumption at 22.1 million hectolitres and the OIV putting wine at 22.0 million hectolitres. The shift reflects a wider decline in wine consumption, changing habits among younger drinkers, pricing pressure and the growing casual appeal of beer in a country long defined by wine culture.
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English Wines Win Record Gold Medal Haul
The Guardian reports that English wines won 25 gold medals at the 2026 International Wine Challenge, up from 10 last year, with England achieving the highest gold-medal percentage by entries and Kent leading the domestic regions. Judges pointed to older vines, longer maturation, improved vineyard knowledge and more confident winemaking as key reasons for England’s rise, while supermarket bottles from Aldi, Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s also featured among the gold-medal winners.
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Olivier Goudet Acquires Wine-Searcher
The Drinks Business reports that French billionaire Olivier Goudet has bought Wine-Searcher through GLX U.S. Inc., adding the wine price comparison and data platform to his expanding wine interests. Wine-Searcher will keep its Auckland headquarters and UK office, with future growth focused on the US and wider international markets, plus more use of AI in drinks data services.
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UK Pub Wine Sales Face Pressure From Duty and Falling Demand
The Morning Advertiser reports that wine sales in pubs remain under pressure, with NIQ and CGA data showing still wine and Champagne down 8% last year, and sparkling wine down 6%. The article points to duty increases, pricing pressures and consumer caution, but also highlights operators using staff training, preservation systems, broader lists and more by-the-glass options to make wine feel more approachable and profitable in pubs.