The week that was

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 13 October, 2017

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Top Stories: The wildfires that have laid waste to historic wineries and homes caught the attention of the world this week.

Not only has the plight of vineyard owners called up our sympathy, it has served as a reminder of the fragility of nature and the elements – as well as the effects of climate change on weather patterns – on which our industry is built.

As fire fighters battled the unprecedented blaze, the rest of the world and the trade continued to turn, with movements from Australia producer McWilliam’s Wines and also Matthew Clark.

We also looked at the surprising growth of Pinot Noir which has doubled in the in value and volume in the UK over the past four years.

Californian heartbreak: The world has looked on with shock and sadness at the tragic events which are still unfolding at the heart of California’s wine country. The images have struck an extra chord with many of us in the UK trade, who have worked with or know the producers who have lost homes, wineries and vineyards overnight.

For now, the priority must be on saving and preserving life. We will continue to follow events as they unfold and to confront the issue of recovery when the moment arrives.

Analysis and Insights: This week we looked back to the recent WSTA Conference where the trade called for greater clarity over a potential Brexit deal.

We also looked at Martini’s plans to put its stamp on premium Prosecco and examined how cork is on the rebound.

People and Opinion: Wine users less guff in its descriptors than other products which spill into the luxury goods segment – perfume for example – columnist Guy Woodward argued this week.

But still, he says, wine producers and marketers need to be wary of edging closer to such pretention.

Read the full story on the link below.