The London Wine Fair returns to Olympia from 19–21 May 2025, promising a vibrant mix of tastings, masterclasses, and networking opportunities for over 10,000 drinks trade professionals.

This year’s fair features more than 400 exhibitors from established and emerging regions, with themed zones like Wines Unearthed, Drinks Britannia and Mindful Drinking Experience. A highlight is the “Battle of the Bubbles,” a blind tasting pitting top Champagnes against global sparkling wines. New for 2025 is Signature Serve, a dedicated spirits and mixers showcase led by industry experts Millie Milliken and Liam Davy.

Attendees can also explore sustainability initiatives, such as Alupro’s focus on aluminium packaging. With over 80 masterclasses and a diverse exhibitor line-up, the fair offers a comprehensive view of the drinks industry.

For more information and to register, visit the London Wine Fair website at www.londonwinefair.com

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Côtes de Provence sub-region Sainte-Victoire has been officially recognised as the first cru of Provence – a milestone for the region's rosé and red wines and a boost for producers aiming for greater recognition and prestige.

Long admired for its elegant wines and dramatic landscapes beneath Montagne Sainte-Victoire, Sainte-Victoire now holds cru status, elevating it beyond the ‘additional geographical designation’ label it has held since 2005.

This promotion in status is the result of years of effort from local winemakers and the Provence wine board (CIVP), with hopes it will shine a brighter spotlight on the area's unique terroir.

With its cooling Mistral winds, limestone soils and higher elevation plus protection from the Mediterranean heat by a range of mountains, Sainte-Victoire’s wines have a distinct freshness to them. While prices aren’t expected to rise significantly, producers are hoping the cru label will highlight the quality of their wines.
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In a surprising twist for the wine world, new data reveals that revenue from US wine sales fell faster than volume in early 2025, signalling a consumer shift toward better value. While people still crave quality, they’re less willing to pay inflated prices – especially for Cabernet Sauvignon, which is now dramatically oversupplied in regions like California, Washington and even parts of South America and Australia. White wines and sparkling wines under $20 are faring better than their red counterparts, according to SipSource. Meanwhile, many high-end reds are being sold at discounts, with wines once priced at $100+ now available for under $50 in some shops. Retailers are reporting strong sales among enthusiasts who know a deal when they see one.

SipSource Industry Analyst Dale Stratton notes that, with overproduction and growing competition, high-end producers can no longer rely on exclusivity or prestige alone to justify price tags. This glut is playing out in Napa, where big-money investments in premium estates have backfired as consumer interest wanes.

In Bordeaux, the difficult and mixed vintage is seeing prices drop by 30% with some wines being offered En Primeur at prices not seen for 16 years. As Stratton puts it: There’s good deals to be had. It’s a great time to be a wine consumer.

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Fake Yellow Tail wine has hit some UK shelves, but Casella Family Brands, who own Yellow Tail, say the fraud is limited to a handful of independent shops and not major supermarkets.

Yellow Tail’s managing director, Simon Lawson, has confirmed that recent wine fraud targeting the brand appears confined to UK independent retailers using illegitimate suppliers. He reassured consumers that all major supermarkets and off-licences remain unaffected, thanks to a secure, direct supply chain.

The brand was previously hit by a criminal gang operating in Moldova involving up to 100,000 cases of fake wine. Yellow Tail works closely with Trading Standards to minimise the risk of counterfeit wines reaching consumers.

Lawson said Yellow Tail's recent label design refresh, the first in 25 years, was to boost shelf appeal, though it may also make counterfeiting harder.

A new marketing campaign launches next month, aiming to reconnect the brand with customers and celebrate the simple moments in life that bring joy and happiness.

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Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL) has completed its acquisition of Pernod Ricard’s wine brands, combining them with Accolade Wines to launch a major new global player: Vinarchy.

Announced on 30 April 2025, the merger brings together iconic names like Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, and Campo Viejo among a total of around 150 brands. AWL plans to streamline the portfolio to around 100 brands over time.

Vinarchy now controls 11 wineries across Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa, producing more than 288 million litres of wine annually. While Pernod Ricard will continue distribution temporarily, it will shift focus to spirits and Champagne. Former Accolade and many Pernod Ricard wine employees are expected to transition to Vinarchy, which is currently chaired by Ben Clarke and is finalising its CEO appointment.

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A new study has found that semaglutide, the active ingredient used in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, may help reduce alcohol cravings, offering hope for treating alcohol use disorder alongside diabetes and obesity.

The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, analysed the health records of over 228,000 people in Sweden and found a 36% lower risk of alcohol-related hospitalisation among those taking semaglutide. A similar drug, liraglutide, used in Saxenda and Victoza, showed a 28% reduction.

Semaglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It mimics a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate blood sugar, insulin levels and appetite.

Researchers suggest these drugs may influence dopamine, the brain's pleasure chemical, making addictive behaviours like excessive drinking less rewarding. While the findings are promising, experts stress more trials are needed before GLP-1 drugs can be formally recommended for treating alcohol dependence.
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