The Drinks Business reports that labour standards in viticulture and wine supply chains are becoming a more urgent industry issue, with sustainability consultant Anne Jones arguing that producers and retailers need both incentives and enforcement to improve practices. The Wine Society has developed a five-step human rights due diligence guide, translated into French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese, and aims to have 160 own-label and key suppliers complete the first four stages by the end of the year.
Simon Judge
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Wine Institute Pushes to Restore US Wine Access in Canada
Wine Industry Advisor reports that a Wine Institute delegation of senior winery owners, winemakers and executives from 14 California wineries travelled to Washington, DC, to press for action on returning US wine to Canadian shelves. The group said Canadian provincial bans on US alcohol have damaged wineries, distributors, retailers, restaurants and consumers, and it wants both governments to restore full market access for US wine in Canada.
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Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters 2026 Medallists Announced
The Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters 2026 have been revealed, following what judge Siobhan Turner MW described as a bumper entry and a notably international field. The competition highlights Cabernet Sauvignon’s continuing global reach, with wines assessed across a broad range of origins and styles.
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Treasury Wine Estates Cuts Brands In Bid To Revive Growth
The drinks business reports that Treasury Wine Estates has unveiled a major overhaul, called Ascent, which will reduce its portfolio from 76 brands to fewer than 30 and shift investment towards luxury wine, lighter styles and no/low-alcohol categories. The company said it will focus on “Power Brands” and “Regional Heroes”, while investors responded positively, with shares rising around 10% after the announcement.
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South African Wine’s Missing Archive Raises Concern
Winemag.co.za reports in an opinion article by Melvyn Minnaar that South African wine lacks a proper, central archive, making its history harder to research and preserve. Minnaar highlights the Platter’s Wine Guide as an accidental record of more than 40 years of South African winemaking, warning that without organised preservation, vital details about producers, vineyards and industry development remain scattered.
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Rare 19th-Century Wine Cache Goes on Display in Czech Castle
Reuters reports that 133 late 19th-century bottles, mainly dated 1892 to 1899, have gone on public display at Becov Castle in the Czech Republic after restoration by Château d’Yquem. The collection had been hidden beneath a chapel floor at the end of World War Two, discovered in 1985, tested in 2016 using Coravin technology, and recorked with an emphasis on preserving authenticity, including the dust on the bottles.
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Lidl to Launch First Asti Rosé
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.
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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.