Tensions are rising across California’s wine country as renewed immigration raids threaten vineyard workers during the crucial growing season, shaking both families and the backbone of the state’s wine industry.

As the growing season hits full stride, California’s wine producers are contending not just with canopy management and shoot thinning, but with fear for their workers.

Recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have reignited anxiety in the immigrant communities that underpin the state’s wine workforce. Despite earlier reassurances, ICE has reversed a pause on raids targeting farms, hotels, and restaurants. Vineyard owners are now locking gates and coordinating emergency plans to protect workers, many of whom are undocumented or under temporary protections like DACA.

With harvest approaching, the threat looms large, not just to the crop, but to the community. As uncertainty deepens, protests continue statewide, and wineries brace for both human and economic fallout amid Trump’s aggressive enforcement policy.
Show less »

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust has unveiled an updated version of its prestigious Level 3 Award in Spirits, as the number of global students taking a WSET Spirits course surpasses 100,000 since the launch in 2003.

The refreshed qualification brings more depth to spirits production theory, improved accessibility, and a refined Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT). Students can now expect a clearer, more structured method for evaluating spirits, using simplified language and regional descriptors, while maintaining consistency across assessments.

Rob McCaughey, WSET’s head of business development for spirits, said the qualifications continue to transform lives and careers: “We really are the connective tissue of the industry...working with everybody, yet for nobody.”

The updated course includes improved tasting skills, more inclusive learning materials, and enhanced assessment support - ensuring learners are better prepared and more confident on their spirits education journey.
Show less »

From 21 to 29 June 2025, English Wine Week is returning with vineyard tastings, tours, workshops and food pairings for visitors to enjoy.

This nationwide celebration shines a spotlight on the quality and diversity of English wine, with events hosted at wineries, pubs, shops and restaurants across the country. From a sparkling wine high tea in Sussex to a winemaker’s dinner in Hampshire, the week is packed with unique experiences.

Vineyards like Hattingley Valley and Foxbury Fields are opening their gates for tours and tastings, while Wildshark Vineyard in Kent adds food pairings and giveaways. In Norwich, wine week offers tastings, masterclasses and meet-the-maker events.

Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or new to English wine, this is the perfect chance to discover delicious wines, support local producers, and share your journey using the #DrinkEnglishWine hashtag.

For a full list of activities go to English Wine Week

Show less »

The fine wine market is navigating turbulent times, with auction house iDealwine describing 2024 as “gloomy” and predicting only modest growth in 2025, while Liv-ex reports sharp trade declines due to weak US demand and ongoing tariff uncertainty.

France’s iDealwine, in its 2024 Auction Barometer, notes that despite auctioning a record 261,465 bottles, global sentiment remains subdued post-pandemic. Co-founder Angélique de Lencquesaing says the market reflects shifting tastes and lifestyles, with top collectors more selective than ever.

Meanwhile, UK-based Liv-ex reported a 30.2% month-on-month drop in trade value in April. US purchases fell sharply, down 34.8% from March, affected by dollar weakness and threatened 200% tariffs. Champagne, Tuscany and Piedmont were hit hardest, though Bordeaux held firm among US buyers.

Asia offered a silver lining, with April purchases up 24.7% on the year’s monthly average. Still, both platforms signal a cautious road ahead for the fine wine sector.

Show less »

Australia’s wine industry is seeing renewed momentum thanks to strong Chinese demand, with exports up 6% year-on-year, buoyed by an additional 94 million litres heading to mainland China. But China’s own wine scene paints a stark contrast.

Changyu Pioneer Wine, China’s largest producer, has reported a 25% drop in revenue and a 43% collapse in net profit in 2024, marking one of its worst performances in two decades. Wine consumption in China is now only 26% of 2019 levels, with gifting and business banquets losing relevance.

Facing fierce competition from Baijiu brands, e-commerce discounting, and a government crackdown on alcohol at official meals, Changyu has slashed its 2025 revenue forecast by nearly 30%. CEO Sun Jian admitted, “We’ve lost touch with consumers.”

In contrast, Australian producers appear to be regaining ground, as China resumes wine imports, offering a glimmer of sunshine in a struggling global sector.

Show less »

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has opened a cutting-edge $15 million facility in South Australia's Barossa Valley, dedicated to producing innovative low and no alcohol wines with full flavour and mouthfeel.

The state-of-the-art plant uses world-first, patent-pending technology to preserve the flavour, aroma and texture of wine while removing alcohol – tackling the long-standing taste barrier for consumers. It follows a $165 million winemaking upgrade in 2022 and strengthens the Barossa’s global standing in premium and innovative winemaking.

The facility will support global brands including Squealing Pig, Pepperjack, 19 Crimes and Wolf Blass, and launch a new lower-ABV range, Sorbet, in partnership with Endeavour Group this October.

TWE's Kerrin Petty described the development as “world-leading,” while Wine Australia and Barossa Council officials hailed it a milestone. With the no and low alcohol wine market forecast to grow 5% annually, the future of mindful drinking looks promising.

Show less »