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In a news packed week the OIV confirmed that global wine production for 2017 has dropped to the lowest level since World War Two – as predicted in our report in September Harpers - with small harvests in key regions such as Rioja and drought in South Africa adding to the ongoing headlines announcing current shortfalls and those to come.

Elsewhere, the after effects of the California fires continued to unfold, and Amazon pulled its online wine arm. On a more positive note Australia continued to hold its pole position in the UK market and Argentina further cemented its ever growing successes with its innovative Barullo event, and the WSET unveiled its new tasting app, designed to assist both students and those drinking purely for pleasure.

Meanwhile, Med winemakers redoubled their efforts to follow a sustainable path.

• OIV estimates near 10% drop in global wine production

• Rioja reports ‘overall promising’ but limited volume harvest

• South Africa braces itself for difficult growing season

• Phelps donates $100,000 to Napa and Sonoma relief efforts

• Amazon pulls online wine arm

• UK remains top volume market for Oz

• Land and soil take centre stage at Argentina’s Barullo

• WSET unveils first tasting app

• Mediterranean wines focus on sustainability

Analysis and Insights

In our analysis pages we examined the fortunes of fortified wines, charting the trade’s postprandial front-runners moves to reposition and re-engage with consumers.

Meanwhile, M&S came into focus, with a look at how its own label portfolio is delivering success ahead of its rivals, and the spotlight also shone on South Africa’s Swartland region, asking where next for its innovative and game changing winemakers.

• Cracking fortified

• Ruling the high street

• Serendipitous Success

People and Opinion

Harpers columnist Jerry Lockspeiser took a long hard look at how wine should avoid a race to the bottom, while D&Ds Michael Patterson explained why he remains positive about London’s still booming but increasingly competitive quality restaurant and bar scene.

• Jerry Lockspeiser: How to stop wine’s race to the bottom

• D&D: Standing out from the crowd

• Harpers
• 2017
• The week that was
• October