New Zealand has launched a global campaign to create the world’s first dedicated white wine emoji, celebrating its iconic styles and rallying wine lovers to support a long-overdue addition to digital culture.

New Zealand Winegrowers has unveiled “The Great White Wine Toast”, a worldwide initiative highlighting the country’s celebrated white wines while advocating for official recognition in emoji form. Despite white wine’s global popularity, only red wine, champagne and cocktails are currently represented across digital platforms.

The campaign argues that modern wine culture is not reflected in today’s emoji set, and proposes a pale-gold white wine glass design inspired by New Zealand’s vibrant styles. Supporters are encouraged to sign a petition, share posts using #WhiteWineEmoji, and join a global toast on 1 May, International Sauvignon Blanc Day.

Timed to coincide with key white wine celebrations throughout May, the initiative will culminate in a formal submission to the Unicode Consortium, backed by public and industry support.

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Winegrowers around the world are reintroducing animals into vineyards, swapping chemicals and machinery for horses, sheep and birds. Driven by environmental concerns and rising oil pressures, the move is boosting soil health while cutting costs and emissions.

Across major wine regions, animals are reclaiming a traditional role in vineyard management. Notably in France, Southern Europe, Italy and Germany as well as in New Zealand, Australia and California, where livestock integration is more established.

Horses are being used for ploughing, reducing soil compaction compared to tractors and improving structure, while sheep graze between rows, to control weeds. Research published in journals such as Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment shows that sheep grazing can reduce the need for herbicides and mowing without harming grape yields, while also contributing organic matter to soils.

Pigs, chickens and ducks are also joining the mix, tackling pests, clearing undergrowth and naturally fertilising soils. Larger producers are adopting the approach, reflecting both ecological and economic appeal.

It is especially established in France and Southern Europe, where sheep grazing is widely used in agroecological programmes. It is also growing in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, particularly in organic and biodynamic vineyards. Outside Europe, it is seen in New Zealand and Australia, where livestock integration is more established, and in California, where sheep are increasingly used for seasonal grazing and weed control.

Though more labour-intensive, animal integration reduces reliance on fossil fuels and chemicals. For many growers, it offers a practical, sustainable alternative, and the visible presence of animals in vineyards is proving popular with visitors, adding an element of tradition and appeal to modern wine tourism.
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Champagne growers say frost has destroyed around 40% of buds in the region, raising concern for the 2026 harvest after vines developed unusually early and were hit by late cold snaps across northern France.

CIVC said the damage is the second worst since 2003, when 45% of buds were lost, with vines already around three weeks ahead of normal development, making them more vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
Officials said it is still too early to estimate final crop losses, as the vine cycle is not complete and weather conditions in the coming months will play a key role before harvest.

Late spring frosts remain one of the most closely watched risks due to their ability to sharply reduce yields and impact global supply across key export markets.
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New UK research suggests GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are having an impact on drinking habits, with users cutting how often they drink by nearly a third. The findings add fresh momentum to the growing trend towards moderation.

A study by KAM, in partnership with Drinkaware, found drinking frequency among GLP-1 users fell 29%, from 3.1 to 2.2 days per week. Alcohol intake also declined, dropping 16% to 3.6 units weekly. Spending followed suit, with home consumption down 22% and on-trade spend per visit falling 30%.

Researchers say the shift is driven by reduced cravings, with over a third of users reporting less desire to drink. Some also experience discomfort when consuming alcohol.

With up to 5.5 million UK adults estimated to be using GLP-1 drugs, the impact could be significant. While socialising remains important, experts say consumers are increasingly opting for moderation, creating both a challenge and an opportunity for the drinks industry.

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A bottle of 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has smashed records, selling for $812,500 at auction in the US, beating its own 2018 high and underlining booming global demand for ultra-rare Burgundy.

The bottle, originally from Robert Drouhin’s cellar, had previously sold via Sotheby’s in 2018 for $558,000. After professional storage in the US, it returned to market at Acker’s La Paulée Auction in Delaware, drawing bidders from four continents.

Produced in tiny quantities, just 600 bottles, the 1945 vintage is famed for its rarity and heritage. It was the final release from the domaine’s pre-phylloxera vines before replanting, adding to its near-mythical status among collectors.

Acker chairman John Kapon described it as “the greatest wine” he has tasted, noting intense global interest. The wider auction raised over US $25 million, setting hundreds of records and highlighting a surge in demand for trophy wines at the very top end of the market.

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Italy’s Asti DOCG has officially approved a new rosé sparkling wine, blending Moscato and Brachetto grapes. Producers in Piedmont can begin bottling within weeks, with hopes of reaching up to 10 million bottles annually.

The Asti DOCG Consortium has confirmed the addition of Asti Rosé to its production rules following publication in Italy’s Official Gazette, concluding a process that began in late 2023. Producers will be able to bottle the wine just 30 days after publication.

The new style blends 70–90% Moscato with 10–30% Brachetto, two aromatic grapes closely linked to Piedmont. Wines can range from sweet to extra dry, offering flexibility for different markets.

Consortium president Stefano Ricagno described the move as a milestone, highlighting the unique combination of grape varieties. The first official tasting will take place at Vinitaly (12th-15th April 2026).

Producers estimate annual volumes could reach between 5 and 10 million bottles, depending on demand, as the region looks to attract new consumers.



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