Tackling vineyard pests sustainably

“Native, natural, furry, feathered, scaly, creepy crawly” creatures are actively encouraged at Hill-Smith Family Estates’ vineyards. So says Louisa Rose, winemaker and head of sustainability at the Aussie producer. For Rose, biodiversity is vital for sustainable pest management. Many producers want to reduce their use of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides for a bevy of reasons. From improving soil health to cultivating native yeasts, their motivations are diverse. Harpers canvassed wine producers from the world over to understand how they are pursuing greener pest management and what benefits they are reaping.

Historic Sussex estate launches vineyard opportunity

Sussex’s Firle Estate has announced a new 12ha vineyard opportunity for wine producers or partners to produce ‘co-branded’ wine with the historic landowners.

Mentzendorff adds Napa Valley icon to portfolio

Wine tourism: Routes to success

With wine tourism growing rapidly, James Lawrence discovers that many wineries across the world are collaborating to create vineyard trails that benefit all.

Silverhand Estate achieves carbon-negative status

The UK’s largest single organic vineyard has been certified as ‘carbon-negative’, a milestone achievement that requires the reduction of CO2 emissions at source.

Five minutes with Talal Madi, Ixsir

Over a preview of Ixsir’s 2024 vintage, the Lebanese winery’s CEO shares some insights with James Bayley.

Alejandro López appointed new winemaker of Bodegas Beronia

Alejandro López has been named as the new winemaker and technical manager of Bodegas Beronia, taking over from Matías Calleja, who held the position for 42 years.

Lea & Sandeman expands English wine range with Black Chalk addition

Lea & Sandeman has expanded its 30-producer sparkling wine portfolio with the addition of Hampshire-based Black Chalk. The Test Valley winery becomes the independent wine merchant and wholesaler’s main on-trade partner for English wines.

Kinsbrook Vineyard

West Sussex vineyard Kinsbrook has relaunched itself as an evening restaurant, opening late on Fridays and Saturdays. Diners can expect seasonal dishes from local produce, served in a picturesque vineyard setting. The restaurant accommodates 45 covers indoors and 30 outside, with service from 6pm to 10pm.

Kinsbrook Farmhouse

Kinsbrook Farmhouse

Five minutes with Teresa Heuzenroeder, Petaluma Wines

Teresa Heuzenroeder, senior winemaker at Petaluma Wines, talks to Andrew Catchpole about the marked differences on dealing with the world’s most celebrated whites – Riesling and Chardonnay – as a winemaker.

Profile: Vineyard Productions grows a head for wine

Home to ‘creative and collaborative winemaking’, Liam Steevenson’s company Vineyard Productions takes a novel approach to its portfolio. Andrew Catchpole dropped by to discover more.

Simpsons' Wine Estate unveils major expansion

The burgeoning niche market for English still wines received another boost earlier this month, after Simpsons' Wine Estate expanded its vineyard holdings.

Tempranillo becomes most planted grape in Spain

The Spanish Ministry for Agriculture, Fishery and Nutrition has announced that the country’s most popular red grape, Tempranillo, is now also the most planted.

Hallgarten & Novum expands its South African portfolio

Specialist wine importer, Hallgarten & Novum has announced new additions to its South African portfolio, introducing Lomond Wines and Elgin Valley’s Spioenkop, which achieved a first growth classification in Tim Atkin’s South Africa 2021 Special Report.

Domaine Jones releases new range of old vine cuvées

Ex-pat winemaker Katie Jones, owner of Domaine Jones in the Languedoc-Rousillon, has launched the Vineyard Collection – a range of wines from very old vines.

Simpsons’ Wine Estate expands portfolio

Leading sparkling wine producer Simpsons' Wine Estates has released a new range of premium still wines – the Q Class.

Treasury Wine Estates acquires new Californian winery

TWE has finalised an agreement to purchase Frank Family Vineyards, a multi-faceted estate in Napa Valley, for an undisclosed sum.

Global organic vineyard area reaches half-a-million hectares

A new report from the OIV shows that organic viticulture is gaining major ground across the world, with nearly half-a-million hectares worldwide now dedicated to organic vines.

Exton Park launches new 'multi vintage' Blanc de Blancs

Sparkling wine producer Exton Park has unveiled a new 100% Chardonnay cuvée based exclusively on reserve wines.