Star Wine List has published its 19 February 2026 finalists list for Star Wine List of the Year UK 2026, naming 66 venues across 13 categories ahead of the awards ceremony on 23 March 2026 at 1 Hotel Mayfair in London. The organisation says the judging panel includes Richard Hemming MW, Kathrine Larsen-Robert MS, Stephen Wong MW and Mikk Parre, and it flags returning local categories, plus a new award for Best Riesling Wine List.
Simon Judge
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Retailers Push Supreme Court Review of Arizona Wine Shipping Restrictions
Wine Industry Advisor reports that the US Supreme Court is set to consider a petition in Day v Henry, a challenge to Arizona’s restrictions affecting shipments from out of state wine retailers, and that the National Association of Wine Retailers has filed an amicus brief urging the Court to take the case. The release argues the federal appeals courts are split on how to assess these laws under the Twenty First Amendment, and says the outcome could clarify whether states can justify discriminatory retailer shipping limits by calling them part of the three tier system without evidence.
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Gallo To Close Napa Facility, Cutting 93 Jobs Across Wine Country Sites
CBS San Francisco reports that Gallo plans to permanently close its Ranch Winery in St Helena and reduce staff at four other winery and tasting room locations in Napa and Sonoma counties, totalling 93 job losses. The report says the planned changes were disclosed in a WARN notice filed with California, with layoffs expected to take effect in mid April, and it attributes the decision to shifting market dynamics, evolving consumer demand, and available capacity across Gallo’s wineries.
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Georgian Wine Sales Surge as Ancient Traditions Go Global
The Guardian reports that Georgia’s 8,000 year winemaking heritage, including qvevri fermentation in buried clay vessels, is helping drive renewed international interest in its distinctive wines. The article links the boom to the country’s 525 plus indigenous grape varieties and to the wider rise of natural wine, noting that UK volume sales of Georgian wine increased by 72% in 2024, and it name checks producers and regions such as Kakheti and Imereti.
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New Masters of Wine Announced for 2026
JancisRobinson.com says the Institute of Masters of Wine has announced the first four new Masters of Wine for 2026, Karen Hong Liu (Hong Kong), Cristina Mercuri (Italy), Kim Oshiro (US) and Bryce Wiatrak (US), with Mercuri noted as the first woman based in Italy to become an MW. The update also says there are now 422 active MWs across 30 countries, and it highlights each new MW’s professional background and research paper topics.
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Mercian Recalls 620,000 Bottles of Chilean Rosé in Japan
Nippon.com, citing Jiji Press, reports that Mercian has recalled about 620,000 bottles of three Chilean rosé wines after finding they contain copper citrate, an additive not approved in Japan, with the company saying no health problems have been reported so far and that it will reimburse customers with Quo Card gift certificates, the notice also names the 280ml Frontera sparkling rosé among the affected products.
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Treasury Wine Estates Suspends Interim Dividend After US Writedown
Reuters reports that Australia’s Treasury Wine Estates has suspended its interim dividend after a A$770.5 million impairment on its US assets helped drive a statutory loss of A$649.4 million for the half year ended December 2025, with revenue down 17 per cent and operating income down 40 per cent as demand softened in China and the US. The company said it is pushing ahead with a plan to cut around A$100 million of annual costs over the next two to three years, tightening shipments into China to curb parallel imports, and prioritising debt reduction before any return to dividends.
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Welsh Deposit Return Scheme Gets Go-ahead to Include Glass
Drinks Retailing News reports that Wales has been cleared to include glass in its Deposit Return Scheme launching alongside the wider UK system in October 2027, even though England, Scotland and Northern Ireland plan schemes without glass. The article says the Welsh Government expects interoperability across the UK, and notes a transition period to 2031 during which glass would be exempt from labelling requirements and carry a 0p deposit, giving industry more lead-in time. A Welsh Government written statement also frames the move as part of a pathway towards reuse, supported by pilots and further regulation.
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Australian Wine Pricing Row Flares at Wine Paris
Winetitles reports that Australian exhibitors in Paris are furious after Australian red wine was allegedly offered at about 60 cents per litre and Chardonnay at about 80 cents per litre, with claims some prices were even tied to the 2026 vintage, which has not been made yet. The article highlights concerns from growers and industry figures that ultra low pricing damages Australia’s premium ambitions, drags down grape prices, and sets a race to the bottom in international negotiations.
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Ridgeview Acquired by Quantum Beverage Led Consortium
Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News reports that Ridgeview Wine Estate has been acquired by QBRidge Ltd, an investor consortium led by Quantum Beverage Co, with Gregg Ainsworth appointed CEO and Allan Beattie becoming CFO, while long time CEO Tamara Roberts steps down and head winemaker Simon Roberts stays on. Insider Media and FRP Advisory add that the Sussex producer, founded in 1995 and based in Ditchling, was sold out of administration after financial pressures, the sale completed on 11 February, all staff transferred, and the new owners have promised business as usual for customers and suppliers.