The Old Vine Conference showcases the beauty of age

From France to Australia, by way of many territories between, the shrinking global vinescape has become enough of a concern that its impact was reported in The Economist this November. With wine drinking in decline, cash-strapped consumers reining in spend and thus an industry feeling the pain of oversupply, vineyards are being ripped out, with other, more profitable crops often being planted. And a troubling fact – at least where future quality wine production is concerned – is that older vines, by dint of the fact that they are less productive and sometimes harder to work, are often first in the firing line.

Berry Bros. & Rudd launches in the US

The UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd has announced that it is expanding into the US market with the opening of a flagship store in Washington D.C.

Flint Wines expands US portfolio with addition of five wineries

Flint Wines, the London-based fine wine merchant, has announced the expansion of its US portfolio, becoming the exclusive UK distributor of five new wineries.

Pernod Ricard sees overall decline in sales over Q1

Pernod Ricard, the wine and spirits giant, has experienced declines across most of its major markets in the first quarter. Overall, Q1 organic net sales were down -7.6%, while reported sales fell -14.3%.

Paso Robles producer DAOU and Bibendum announce distribution partnership

Paso Robles producer DAOU Vineyards has penned a distribution partnership with wine wholesaler Bibendum. The California producer is seeking to grow distribution through independent and luxury retail, as well as in the UK on-trade.

New Zealand Winegrowers releases 2025 report

New Zealand Winegrowers, the national organisation for the country’s wine industry, has released its Annual Report 2025.

Promising California harvest in full swing following mild summer

Winemakers in California have begun their harvest following a long, consistent growing season. Grapes were able to mature gradually in 2025 following a mild summer which was preceded by a cool spring.

Pernod Ricard: Sales fall amid tariff and travel retail woes

French drinks giant Pernod Ricard has announced its results for the 2025 financial year. Amid a suite of macroeconomic challenges, the multinational saw an overall -3% drop in organic global sales.

Tariffs: Joint statement confirms 15% US levy on EU producers

The United States-European Union Joint Statement announced by EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has confirmed a 15% tariff on European goods exported across the pond.

JKS Restaurants announces US debut with two new venues

On-trade heavyweight JKS Restaurants has announced a stateside expansion with two new launches set to open.

Foley Family appoints Jay Gifford to lead international sales

US drinks group Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) has announced the onboarding of Jay Gifford to its team in the newly created role of international MD.

Australia: Wine exports to China stabilise with other markets down

A new export report from Wine Australia shows that after an initial surge in sales after Chinese tariffs on Australian wine ended last year, Aussie wine sales to China have begun to stabilise.

NY roundtable: Exporting the northeastern state’s promise

Aldi distribution deal for Washington State Wines

Washington State Wines has increased its UK distribution with Aldi listing two wines from the Pacific Northwest state in its spring/summer selection.

China matches US tariff escalation as EU mulls path forward

Effective from Saturday (12 April) China will raise tariffs on US goods in a tit-for-tat escalation which sees both countries now imposing tariffs of 125% on the other. 

Dismay across Atlantic as EU tariffs on US whiskey introduced

The EU’s announcement of a slate of retaliatory tariffs from 1 April on certain US imports has included a 50% tariff on American whiskey and other US spirits. The decision was part of the institution’s response to the Trump government’s recent tariffs on European steel and aluminium.

Sazerac Barrel Select: unique initiative set for UK launch

The US spirits company Sazerac will allow UK customers to partake for the first time in its barrel select programme. The initiative, which officially launches next Tuesday (18 March) will allow customers to hand-pick and purchase a barrel of one of Sazerac’s spirit brands, including their Buffalo Trace bourbon.

California set for ‘memorable vintage’ following fast-paced growing season and harvest

The 2024 California harvest got off to an early start in many regions following a rainy winter, a cool spring and a warm summer during a year which has left a lasting impression on vintners, the California Wine Institute said.

New Zealand Wine Week returns for 2023

After the success of New Zealand Wine Week events in 2021 and 2022, New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) has announced that it will be kicking off the third New Zealand Wine Week on 30 January.

New Zealand exports hit new high

The value of New Zealand wine in international markets has reached a record-breaking high, New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) has revealed, with exports for the past 12 months reaching NZ$2.03 billion.