News Archives - The Drinks Business

Thailand moves to ease longstanding alcohol sales ban

Sophie Arundel — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:58:50 +0000

Thailand is set to relax regulations on alcohol sales and advertising, marking a shift that could benefit tourism and small-scale producers.

Lawmakers in Thailand’s House of Representatives have approved amendments to the country’s alcohol control bill, which includes the repeal of a 53-year-old ban on afternoon alcohol sales. The restriction, originally imposed by a military government in 1972, currently prohibits alcohol sales between 2 pm and 5 pm. The amendments also ease advertising restrictions, allowing alcoholic beverage brands greater visibility.

The proposed changes still require Senate approval, but if enacted, they would significantly alter Thailand’s alcohol laws. Deputy committee head Chanin Rungtanakiat described the move as a step toward removing “unreasonable control” and encouraging economic activity.

Supporting tourism and small producers

The relaxation of alcohol regulations is part of a broader effort to make Thailand more appealing to international visitors. The country has already introduced measures to increase competitiveness, including legalising cannabis and proposing the introduction of regulated casinos. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has also hinted at further reviews of alcohol-related restrictions, such as the ban on sales during Buddhist holy days and online alcohol sales.

This latest shift follows an earlier law passed in 2025 that opened up liquor production to small breweries and distilleries, challenging the long-standing dominance of Thai Beverage Pcl and Boon Rawd Brewery Co. By loosening advertising restrictions, the new amendments could further help smaller producers compete in a market that has historically been controlled by a few large players.

A pattern of gradual liberalisation

The move follows a trend of gradual deregulation of Thailand’s alcohol industry. In a previous development, Thailand relaxed its restrictions on alcohol sales during Buddhist holidays, a decision covered in The Drinks Business recently. At the time, industry observers saw it as a sign that Thailand was shifting its approach to alcohol regulation to better align with its tourism-driven economy.

If the current amendments pass the Senate, Thailand’s hospitality sector is likely to benefit, particularly in areas popular with tourists. However, public health advocates may push back against the changes, citing concerns over increased alcohol consumption. With Thailand looking to balance economic growth and regulatory control, the upcoming Senate decision will be closely watched by both industry stakeholders and public policy experts.

Could Elon Musk learn from the fall of Bud Light?

Jessica Mason — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:17:57 +0000

Speculation surrounding Elon Musk’s Tesla challenges are being compared to those faced by AB InBev during boycotts of its Bud Light brand. In a recent report from Newsweek, the title identified that “a brand tarnished, a customer base alienated and boycotts taking their toll” were among the similarities between Tesla and Bud Light’s struggles. AB InBev’s troubles began with its Bud Light back in 2023, sparked by the company collaborating with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The collaboration then resulted in a highly-publicised backlash and boycott from the brand’s core audience, leading to sales of the beer taking a nosedive. Warwick Business School professor of marketing Hugh Wilson told reporters: "You can often play to different segments with different messages in different media. But not, it seems, on culture-war issues in the increasingly polarised US." Reports outlined how the catalyst for Tesla’s issues stemmed from Musk's interplay with politics, with Newsweek stating his financial backing of election campaigns in 2024 as well as becoming the figurehead of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). As such, Newsweek insisted that “the effects of this have been at least as pronounced as the backlash to Bud Light” and referenced how Tesla's stock has now fallen along with the brand’s global sales. According to analysis that was shared by the analysts at CreditSights, Tesla has seen volumes tumble and these have been "largely driven by a consumer backlash due to Elon Musk's association with the Trump administration”. Tesla’s market capitalisation dropped 45% since hitting an all-time high of US$1.5 trillion on 17 December 2024, erasing most of the gains the stock had made after Musk helped finance Trump’s election victory, according to Reuters. Comparatively, Bud Light itself took a heavy beating after its Mulveney partnership, with sales falling 21.4% during the month of April in 2023. Despite the open assessment, the reports also outlined how the Tesla and Bud Light cases differed in a number of ways with “the most obvious being the ideologies of those lashing out at the companies and those lamenting the consequences”. Donald Trump posted to Truth Social during the height of the Bud Light boycott: "Money does talk — Anheuser-Busch now understands that." However, last week, the US President's response to the Tesla situation Musk finds himself in was to declare the boycotts and protests "illegal". Weighing up the situation, Newsweek stated that the cases could still be seen as similar due to both companies having angered what was considered to be their core customer base. Echoing this, London Business School management and marketing professor Patrick Barwise explained: "Both cases demonstrate, in very different ways, the perils of managing brands in these polarised times.” db has reached out to both AB InBev and Tesla for comment.

Indian Malt Whisky Association launches

Eloise Feilden — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:35:10 +0000

Some of the biggest names in Indian spirits have come together to form the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) to create a "unified voice for the industry". The heads of four of India's biggest whisky producers have joined forces to elevate the category internationally. Paul P John, chairman and managing director of John Distilleries, Rakshit N Jagdale, chairman and managing director of Amrut Distilleries, Abhishek Khaitan, managing director of Radico Khaitan and Akhil Dada chairman of Piccadily Agro Industries now make up the IMWA board of directors. The new industry body is looking to promote 'Made in India' labels while competing with international whisky brands. A statement announcing the group's formation cited the existence of similar bodies in other well-established whisky producing countries, namely the Scotch Whisky Association, Irish Whiskey Association and Japanese Spirits & Liquor Whisky Association. The IMWA is looking to emulate the success of such bodies to create a "unified voice for the industry" in India. The organisation plans to build partnerships with local governments to support malt whisky production in the country. Rajesh Chopra is founder and director general of the IMWA. He emphasised the importance of regulatory and technical standards for the industry. "Defining guidelines, securing certifications, trademarks, geographical indications (GI), and intellectual property rights (IPR) are essential steps to build trust in the authenticity and quality of Indian malt whiskies," he said. "By establishing these standards, we signal to the world that India produces malt whisky of unparalleled quality and distinction." India's single malt whisky industry has struggled to assert its authenticity due to brands releasing products made with Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA)-based liquor and misrepresenting them as Indian single malts. The IMWA has said it will safeguard against misrepresentation to help elevate the category. Chopra stated: "We have observed the launch of so-called Indian single malts by companies lacking proper malt distilleries. Such practices undermine the credibility of the category. It is critical to uphold the hard-earned reputation of Indian malt whisky on the global stage." To ensure authenticity, the IMWA has defined qualification criteria for Indian single malts and pure malts, all of which must be:

Produced from 100% malted barley
Made in a single distillery using copper pot stills (not column stills)
Crafted with only malted barley, pure water and yeast
Matured for a minimum of three years in wooden oak barrels of less than 700-litre capacity
Pure malts or 100% malt whisky, a mixture of two or more different malts from different distilleries

The association will collaborate with state authorities to enforce these standards and will pursue legal action against violators. "Protecting the category's integrity is essential for sustaining its global acceptance and growth," added Chopra. The organisation also wants to see India's single malt whisky category grow. Chopra said: "We hope to see many more malt distilleries emerge across India, expanding the category and reinforcing its reputation for quality. The IMWA's commitment is to ensure that Indian malt whisky is respected as one of the finest in the world."

Rice wine waste found to have longevity-boosting properties

Sophie Arundel — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:17:48 +0000

Researchers in the Philippines have discovered that the byproduct of traditional rice wine fermentation could have significant health benefits, including anti-aging properties.

Filipino researchers have optimised the production of tapuy, a traditional Philippine rice wine, revealing that its byproduct, known as lees, may be a rich source of antioxidants and longevity-boosting compounds.

A study conducted by Edward Kevin B. Bragais of Ateneo de Manila University and Paul Mark B. Medina of the University of the Philippines examined how different starter cultures, microorganisms used to initiate fermentation, locally known as bubod, affect the composition of tapuy lees. Lees, which consist of rice residues, yeast, and microbial compounds, are typically discarded as waste. The researchers found that by refining the fermentation process with a specific microbial culture, tapuy lees could become a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potential medical and nutritional benefits.

Promising anti-aging properties

Tapuy lees produced with an optimised starter culture mix were found to contain high levels of polyphenols compounds which are known for combating oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell damage. In animal tests, extracts from these lees demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, improving lifespan, motility, and reproductive health. The extract also enhanced levels of superoxide dismutase, an enzyme essential for protecting cells against age-related deterioration.

These findings suggest that tapuy lees could be repurposed as a functional food ingredient to help combat aging and oxidative stress-related diseases. However, the researchers emphasised that their conclusions are based on animal studies, and further clinical trials are needed to determine potential benefits in humans. If confirmed, this overlooked byproduct of rice wine production could become a valuable resource for health and wellness industries.

Carlsberg signs major UEFA sponsorship deal

James Bayley — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:02:42 +0000

Carlsberg Group has signed a long-term agreement with UEFA to become the Official Beer of UEFA National Team Football, marking its return to top-level European football sponsorship after an eight-year hiatus. The deal covers a range of competitions, including UEFA EURO 2028, UEFA Women’s EURO 2029, the UEFA Nations League Finals, UEFA Futsal EURO and both men’s and women’s European Qualifiers. It also provides Carlsberg Group with exclusive pouring rights at selected tournaments, as well as prominent brand exposure across pitchside boards and media backdrops. Speaking about the partnership, Carlsberg’s global brand director Lynsey Woods said: “At Carlsberg we love giving people access to the very best experiences, and this partnership is a brilliant opportunity for Carlsberg to provide fans with access to the very best of football. We are excited about the opportunities we can support on many levels, ranging from women’s football, the fan experience, [and] memorable match day moments.” UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin commented: “Carlsberg and UEFA have been partners dating back to UEFA EURO 1988, and we’re excited to kick off this next chapter together.”

Football remains key channel for alcohol brands

Carlsberg’s renewed partnership follows a broader trend of high-profile collaborations between alcohol brands and football organisations. In June 2024, Diageo announced that Guinness would become the Official Beer of the Premier League in a four-year global deal starting from the 2024/25 season, alongside Guinness 0.0 as its official non-alcoholic beer. Such agreements allow brands to reach large global audiences, with the Premier League broadcast in over 900 million homes across 189 countries. According to Diageo, the Guinness partnership aims to combine creative marketing with responsible drinking messaging. These sponsorships come amid shifting consumer habits, including increased demand for no and low alcohol alternatives. During UEFA EURO 2024, Kantar reported a 13% increase in beer sales on days England played, with alcohol-free beer up 38% — a trend attributed in part to several matches taking place midweek. On-trade figures also reflected a surge in consumption. Data from Access Hospitality covering 2,400 UK venues showed that pint sales more than doubled on England matchdays, with a 147% increase in sales revenue during the semi-final against the Netherlands and a 136% increase in pints served.

Portman Group: sponsorship must follow responsible marketing guidelines

Alcohol sponsorship of football remains under close scrutiny, particularly in the UK. According to the Portman Group, which oversees the responsible marketing of alcohol, any partnership must adhere to strict rules ensuring that:

Under-18s are not targeted directly or indirectly
Under-25s are not shown consuming alcohol in any marketing
Alcohol is not portrayed as enhancing performance, popularity or confidence
Sponsorship activity does not glamorise or trivialise alcohol consumption

While both Carlsberg and Guinness have developed non-alcoholic product lines — Carlsberg 0.0 and Guinness 0.0 — any marketing activation around these deals must distinguish between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and ensure that promotional messaging is responsible and compliant.

Strategic focus includes women’s and futsal tournaments

Carlsberg’s UEFA deal includes not only high-profile men’s fixtures such as UEFA EURO 2028, but also a wide range of women’s and futsal events. These include the UEFA Women’s EURO 2029, Women’s Nations League (2025–2030), and UEFA Futsal EURO (2026, 2030). This reflects UEFA’s growing emphasis on gender balance and broadening commercial interest in women’s football. From Carlsberg’s perspective, it represents a diversification of brand exposure and audience engagement. The partnership also includes global fan-focused promotions, such as ticket giveaways, hospitality experiences and competitions. These are expected to roll out across multiple markets in the run-up to the 2028 tournament.

Former Diageo exec joins British rum brand as CEO

Eloise Feilden — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:49:25 +0000

Graham Appleyard, a former marketing director at drinks giant Diageo, has joined British-distilled rum brand Dropworks as CEO. Dropworks announced this week that Graham Appleyard would be joining the company as its new chief executive officer. Appleyard's experience in the drinks industry spans more than 25 years, including four years at Diageo where he most recently held the role of category & shopper marketing director, Western Europe. His work with Diageo included spearheading brand strategies for Guinness, Baileys and Pimm’s, among others, and leading the company's joint venture with Moët Hennessy. As the new Dropworks CEO, Appleyard said on LinkedIn that he was excited to "play a leadership role in British-distilled rum". He joins the company to guide the rum brand's next phase of growth from start-up to scale-up, Dropworks said in a press release announcing Appleyard's appointment. His goal is to establish it as the number one British-distilled rum brand, the company said. Dropworks was founded by rum expert Lewis Hayes in April 2023 and produces small-batch rum distillations from its 17,000 sq ft distillery in Nottinghamshire’s Sherwood Forest. As Appleyard steps into his new role, Lewis Hayes continues his role as founder and master distiller. Commenting on his appointment, Appleyard said: “I’m incredibly excited to join DropWorks at such a pivotal moment. The brand is already challenging the status quo and redefining the rum category by producing premium British-distilled rum – not just rum bottled in Britain, but truly crafted here by a team of passionate experts. My goal is to drive wider appreciation for premium British rum, elevate quality standards across the entire category, and ultimately make DropWorks a household name.” Hayes commented: “Bringing Graham on board is a game changer for DropWorks and is testament to the quality of our products and team. His deep understanding of brand strategy and ability to drive growth will be invaluable as we enter our next phase. This transition allows me to dedicate more time to what I love most – crafting exceptional rum and connecting with our community.” Under Appleyard’s leadership, DropWorks is aiming to further expand its market presence, attract more consumers to premium rum, and position British rum on the global stage.

Is this the year of the high-end harvest party?

Sarah Neish — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:31:07 +0000

End of harvest celebrations, once intimate affairs reserved for pickers and producers, are turning into multi-million dollar ticketed events. Is this the dawn of the VIP harvest party? Sarah Neish investigates. Magnums, caviar, valet parking...end-of-harvest celebrations have moved on from a glass of mead and a quick dance around the maypole. In May, Chile's Viña VIK will host a lavish harvest festival do, with tickets priced at US$500 per person, and only 200 spots available. And it's not the only one. Luxury harvest parties are becoming the latest extension of fine wine brands offering exclusive tailored experiences, such as those only available through Banfi's Brunello Ambassador Club, for example, or at Symington Family Estates' forthcoming €6million Port townhouse. For VIK, based in the Cachapoal Valley, its harvest party will involve a "four-act" performance involving wine, gastronomy, art and music. Following a guided tour of the vineyards, paying guests will be treated to an outdoor vertical tasting of VIK’s four signature wines, including "magnum-format surprises" and the producer's 2018 vintage, due to launch later this month on La Place de Bordeaux. Lashings of caviar will also be served alongside VIK's La Piu Belle Champagne Millésime 2009, and live jazz and a viticulture-inspired art exhibition are also on the cards, with the celebration wrapping up with a DJ set and open bar. Not one to miss a trick, VIK has revealed that the first 50 people to buy tickets to the event on 3 May will also access a "special pre-sale" with exclusive benefits. Can we expect to see more high-end harvest parties? We asked some of our favourite premium producers around the world about their 2025 harvest plans,

Party like a rockstar

In California, Hourglass Winery's annual celebration The Mabron, named after its flagship cuvée, has "taken on a reputation for being one of the best parties in Napa", according to Sotheby's. The auction house included four VIP tickets to The Mabron last year as part of an exclusive 'Party Like a Rockstar experience', as well as two six-bottle vintage magnum vertical collections of Hourglass Estate Cabernet (2014-2019). This year, tickets to The Mabron are on sale for US$300 a pop, and the fixture has evolved into "a mini festival", owner Jeff Smith tells db. For 2025 guests can expect "exotic food trucks, a massive oyster spread, and a beautiful sampling of Hourglass wines against an array of live musical acts, all staged in the vineyard at the Hourglass Blueline Estate." Although the party takes place in the middle of harvest - 13 September - rather than at the end, "we think of it as our harvest celebration," says Smith. And with bottles of The Mabon wines on retail shelves for around US$85, the ticket price for the event isn't quite as sky-high as it might first appear.

Are tickets worth the cost?

VIK firmly believes so. "The $500 ticket reflects a once-in-a-lifetime event, with an element of exclusivity that we don't usually show to guests," says marketing manager Andrea García. "The event is not just a wine tasting—it's a premium, curated eight-hour-long experience at one of the world’s best wineries, with lots of surprises. Guests should expect the unexpected." There will be plenty to celebrate as already VIK is expecting 2025 wines with "remarkable promise" and "vibrancy and electricity on the palate". The Chilean producer kicked off its 2025 harvest picking Syrah in the first week of March, and expects to finish with Carmenere in the last weeks of April. "We started 14 days earlier compared to last year, under similar climatic conditions to 2023, which was a very good harvest," says García. "We want to celebrate with our guests and thank Mother Earth for it." She adds that the harvest party is also a way to celebrate "all the recognitions and awards we have received during the past year, including Cristián Vallejo being named as one of the drinks business' top 100 winemakers in the Master Winemakers publication." The party in May, which VIK intends to be an annual flagship event, is a chance to show that the producer is "not just a winery but a luxury destination." "The wine world is not just about picking the correct grapes, it's full of experiences," adds García. "There is tremendous work behind our proposal and we hope visitors will experience gastronomy and pairings at a whole new level."

High net worth

While the likes of VIK and Hourglass offer larger events that welcome paying members of the public into the festivities, another approach is to offer personalised harvest experiences for high net worth individuals or couples. "The harvest period is intense with all of our efforts focused on completing harvest, so visits during this time are very limited," says Romain Ott, head winemaker of the organic-certified Château Léoube in Provence. "At the same time we understand that harvest is a time of much excitement when wine-lovers are keen to come and see first-hand what’s happening on the estate. "We do very occasionally, if the conditions are right, offer a limited number of loyal customers the chance to experience picking so they can discover the harvest process and all of the hard work that goes on in the vineyard and winery. But we keep this very limited and exclusive so that the focus remains absolutely on harvest and wine production – our first and most important job." Similarly, Chateau Tanunda, one of the oldest estates in the Barossa Valley, invites guests to "witness our winemaking team in action during harvest" through glass viewing windows. Managing director Michelle Geber describes it as "like dining at a restaurant with an open kitchen, where seeing the craftsmanship first-hand enhances the experience." Tanunda hasn't yet thrown a luxury ticketed bash to celebrate the end of harvest, but Geber isn't ruling it out for future years. "I think it is a terrific idea," she says. "From our perspective, it's so important to invite our customers to be part of the wine journey and experience. The more they can immerse themselves in what we do, the richer their connection to our wines."

More traditional celebrations

Of course there are plenty of traditionally-minded producers who prefer to stick to more intimate harvest dos for workers and their families. "We always organise a big celebration with all our employees and their partners at the end of the harvest, inviting around 150 people to an informal open-air dinner to thank our teams for such a commitment during the harvest period," says Olivier Fayard, CEO of Pernod Ricard's premium rosé brand Sainte Marguerite, which celebrates its 50th harvest this year. He explains he prefers to keep the occasion in-house to provide a forum for exchanging thoughts and ideas. "Harvest is a very important milestone on the annual calendar, marking the end of the vine cycle and the beginning of the wine process," Fayard says. "It’s always a very exciting time as it's when we start to discover the aromatic palette of the year and prepare the blending sessions." For Sainte Marguerite's top-level ‘Marguerite’ rosé (£55), for example, each grape variety (Grenache, Cinsault and Vermentino) are fermented separately before blending. Following Pernod Ricard's majority share acquisition of the rosé brand in 2021, the decision was made to incorporate Sainte Marguerite into the group’s Champagne portfolio alongside brands including Perrier-Jouët and Mumm. Given the traditional company it keeps, it's perhaps unsurprising that Sainte Marguerite would want to follow in the footsteps of generations past who kept harvest celebrations private, prioritising those who put their blood, sweat and tears into the season.

The Cochelet

Fellow bubble maker Champagne Palmer is very much of this ethos. "In the Marne region [known for its production of Pinot Meunier-based Champagnes] we call the end of harvest the Cochelet, and it has always been primarily celebrated at home," says communications and marketing manager Francois Demouy. "We prefer to keep the Cochelet to an intimate circle as this convivial gathering marks the conclusion of a physically demanding, often exhausting harvest season. Keeping things small allows us to experience a genuine moment of sharing between winemakers and the harvest team. It's a time to strengthen bonds and celebrate a key milestone in the life of a Champagne house. By gathering in a warm and familiar setting, we honour the hard work of the harvest while preserving the authenticity and spirit of this cherished tradition." Champagne Palmer does not envision ever turning the Cochelet into a ticketed event, shares Demouy. "Above all, it is a tradition we wish to preserve and pass on. Rooted in the history of Champagne, this celebration remains a precious moment of togetherness, where authenticity and shared values take precedence over publicity or commercialisation," he says. However, in a db exclusive, he adds: "We would consider doing something on a local scale. Why not propose that the city of Reims organise a giant Cochelet? It would be a great way to share this tradition with a wider audience and showcase our customs. If several key players were to get involved, we could create a fantastic celebration that honours our heritage while bringing people together in the spirit of Champagne."

A community affair

Further south, near St Tropez, Léoube too is involving the local community in its harvest celebrations. In addition to offering exclusive picking experiences for top customers, the château throws two important gatherings, one for its workers and one for the local town. "The first is a big lunch with the whole team where we take time to relax, celebrate and enjoy one another’s company after a period of such intense work," explains Romain Ott. "The second celebration is a Harvest Festival which is open to the public. People can visit the estate, and spend the whole day near the beach, discovering artisan food, local produce and enjoying live music and family activities." Ott hints that a more curated experience is on the cards for 2025, saying that Léoube's Harvest Festival "is being reimagined to offer a slightly different experience for our customers" The details are still being finalised but "it will be a memorable day spent enjoying the best of Provence near the beach next to Café Léoube," he says.

Revenue maker

Ticketed events that involve consumers in the harvest are a savvy way for producers to bring cash into the business and continue building their profile. Harvest parties also offer a way for premium wineries to stand out from their competitors, and to thank those in the wider wine ecosystem (growers, buyers, PRs, press etc.) for their role in the annual success of the company. As Château Léoube's Ott puts it: "The end of harvest brings a great sense of achievement and relief as we reach the end of a long journey. Thanking everyone who has been part of this journey, working hard throughout harvest and during the previous year is really important." The drinks business can see this trend evolving to include corporate hospitality experiences, as well as influencers and celebrities grappling to be a part of what until fairly recently has been a closed-off process shrouded in rituals, traditions and ancestral learnings. As wineries are staring down increasingly challenging times (tariffs, declining consumption, climate change and more), anything that brings revenue in should be afforded due consideration. Plus, those who party together....

Brussels hits pause on whiskey and Bourbon duties in search of negotiation window

James Bayley — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:22:27 +0000

The European Union has opted to delay its planned retaliatory tariffs on US goods until mid-April, buying time for renewed dialogue with Washington and allowing for further consultation with Member States.

The delay postpones both the reimposition of suspended 2018 tariffs and the introduction of a broader €18 billion package targeting a wider swathe of American exports.

The European Commission had originally proposed reactivating duties on €4.5 billion worth of US products from 1 April, followed by further counter-measures on 13 April. These included, notably, a 50% tariff on Bourbon — an emblematic product in the crosshairs of a long-running transatlantic trade dispute rooted in former US President Donald Trump's 2018 metals tariffs.

Sefcovic cites alignment and negotiation as key motives

European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič told a European Parliament hearing on Thursday that the Commission was “considering to align the timing of the two sets of EU counter-measures so we can consult with member states on both lists simultaneously,” a move that would also provide “extra time for negotiations with our American partners.”

As reported by Reuters, The Commission later confirmed all counter-measures will now take effect in mid-April, marking a deliberate strategic pause in the face of rising tensions. Šefčovič indicated progress in discussions with US counterparts has been limited, remarking: “I don’t think that the US thinking is in that direction,” adding that their priority seems to be attracting investment and reindustrialising through tariff policy.

Trump’s 200% wine tariff threat raises industry alarm

The delay comes amidst renewed threats from Donald Trump, who has warned of a 200% tariff on EU wines, Champagnes and spirits if the EU proceeds with its bourbon duty. As reported by db, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that if the EU does not remove its whiskey tariff, the US would retaliate harshly:

“If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the US will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES.”

The rhetoric has sent ripples across both the drinks industry and financial markets. SpiritsEUROPE trade and economic affairs director Pauline Bastidon lamented that “yet again, spirit drinks have become collateral damage in an unrelated trade dispute.” The once flourishing transatlantic spirits trade — bolstered by a “zero-for-zero” tariff agreement — now hangs in jeopardy.

France, Italy and Ireland urge de-escalation

European leaders have echoed the need for restraint. French Prime Minister François Bayrou acknowledged that targeting American whiskey may have been a misstep, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cautioned against escalating the dispute further. “I am not certain that responding to tariffs with more tariffs is necessarily a good deal,” she said earlier this week.

Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin, whose country is a major whiskey exporter, supported the EU's decision to delay action, calling it “sensible” to assess the full scope of the US package and respond “wisely and strategically.”

A familiar transatlantic grudge

This latest standoff is rooted in the Trump administration’s 2018 imposition of steel and aluminium tariffs on EU exports — so-called “section 232” measures affecting €6.4 billion of trade (€8 billion in 2024 values). The EU responded with its own set of rebalancing tariffs in two tranches. Although these were suspended in a spirit of compromise, the US reinstated its duties on 12 March 2025, affecting €26 billion of EU exports.

The EU’s planned response includes reinstating its original 2018 and 2020 measures on 1 April and imposing new tariffs on an additional €18 billion worth of US goods mid-April. The Commission launched a consultation with stakeholders on 12 March to finalise the list of affected products, which may include industrial goods, textiles, home appliances, steel derivatives, and a selection of agricultural products such as poultry, beef, dairy and vegetables.

economic fallout and industry frustration

As reported by db, the financial sector has already reacted. Shares in European drinks giants Pernod Ricard and Rémy Cointreau slid, while LVMH, owner of Moët & Chandon, also suffered losses. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 edged lower on concerns over the escalating dispute.

Producers on both sides of the Atlantic warn that tariff retaliation will hurt businesses more than governments. EU wines rely heavily on US consumers — the largest export market for the bloc’s vintners. Meanwhile, American whiskey distillers recall the damaging impact of the 2018 EU tariffs, which led to a 41% drop in exports to Europe.

A delicate balancing act in a globalised sector

President Ursula von der Leyen struck a conciliatory tone, reminding US counterparts that transatlantic trade has “brought prosperity and security to millions of people” and supported jobs on both continents. But within the wine and spirits industry, patience is wearing thin.

Tariffs, history shows, rarely remain confined to their intended targets. They ripple outward — disrupting supply chains, suppressing investment and driving up costs for businesses and consumers alike. In the case of wine and whiskey, two of the world’s most culturally and economically intertwined beverages, the stakes are especially high.

As the EU takes a breath ahead of April, the hope — however faint — is that diplomacy might yet prevail over tit-for-tat.

More than 200 breweries launch We Love LA beer

Jessica Mason — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:13:50 +0000

A beer initiative that allows brewers to send proceeds to Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts has launched across more than 200 breweries. The new beer line, which began when Common Space Brewery in Hawthorne, California was compelled to take action to help support wildfire relief services. Inspired by Sierra Nevada’s Resilience IPA and Maui Brewing's Kokua Project, Common Space launched We Love LA and within days of its announcement, Creature Comforts and Firestone Walker approached the brewery with an offer to help manage and expand the campaign. Since then, hundreds of breweries have committed to amplify these efforts, bring together breweries from across the world to raise money for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles’s Wildfire Response Fund. The initiative’s aim is to recruit breweries far and wide to create a special beer as part of a fundraising collaboration and, as well as being joined by breweries across California, breweries from Australia and Japan are joining in. According to the collaboration rules, participating breweries simply have to create their own unique beer tabs name it “We Love LA.” All of the beers released will use the same logo and have a QR code on the cans leading to a donation website. Guidance now available via the We Love LA website has stated: “By allowing breweries to choose their preferred style and develop their own recipe, we hope this will make it as simple as possible for any interested brewery to participate.” Local reports have identified that the types of “We Love LA” beers range from a Juicy IPA from Santa Monica Brew Works through to a Table Saison Ale from Torrance-based Cellador.

New CEEV president named

Louis Thomas — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:51:09 +0000

The general assembly of EU wine trade body the Comité Européen des Enterprises Vins (CEEV) has elected Marzia Varvaglione to the post of president for the next three years. Varvaglione, from Puglia, began working at her family's winery in Leporano, Varvaglione 1921, in 2013. She has been president of the Associazione Giovani Imprenditori Vinicoli Italiani (Italian Association of Young Wine Entrpreneurs, AGIVI) since 2023 and a board member of the Unione Italiana Vini (Italian Wine Union, UIV) since 2020. Having been voted in at yesterday's (20 March) CEEV general assembly meeting in Brussels, she succeeds González Byass boss Mauricio González-Gordon in the role as president, joining the organisation at what could be a crucial moment for producers in the European Union as trans-Atlantic relations are strained to breaking point due to US President Donald Trump's threat of 200% tariffs. "The European wine sector is undergoing a complex and progressive transition, driven by significant changes in consumption patterns, consumer demographics, and the international context," Varvaglione told the drinks business after her election to the role. "My priorities will include combating harmful consumption while safeguarding a culture that spans over two thousand years of history, as well as clarifying the situation regarding the US tariffs as soon as possible." "I have to be optimistic, like all entrepreneurs and wine producers," she continued. "With every vintage, we face multiple challenges. I'm confident that consumption styles will evolve, and producers will adapt their approach to meet the needs of new customers. Still, it's hard to make accurate predictions when exogenous factors keep multiplying. While we can count on the strong connection consumers have with wine, we also have to consider the influence of outside forces, including geopolitical ones. What we're experiencing right now is a clear example of this. That’s why organisations like CEEV are becoming more important than ever." Joining Varvaglione on the CEEV board of administrators is the Associação de Vinhos e Espirituosas de Portugal and WineStone Group's Pedro Pereira Gonçalves, who will be taking the role of vice-president. Jérôme Perchet of the Fédération Française des Vins d’Apéritif will serve as treasurer. Other new board members include Pedro Ferrer (Federación Española del Vino), Piero Mastroberardino (Italy's FEDERVINI), Michel Chapoutier (Union des Maisons et Marques de Vins), and José Ramón Fernández (Groupe de Liaison des Entreprises Vinicoles Européennes). A further change afoot at the CEEV is the arrival of a new member – the European Vinegar Association, which represents vinegar producers on the continent.

Fulham FC signs top chefs for new restaurant

Louis Thomas — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:15:26 +0000

Premier League football club Fulham FC is continuing its efforts to enhance its food and drinks experience through a new partnership with chefs Alex Dilling and Oli Marlow. The club, which currently sits eighth in the Premier League table, became the first in the UK to have a Tequila sponsor, and in late 2024 it announced that Bodega Argento would become its Official Argentinian Wine Partner. This week it was revealed that Dilling, whose eponymous eatery at Hotel Café Royal currently holds two Michelin stars, and Marlow, the executive chef of Simon Rogan's newly-relaunched Roganic Hong Kong and chef's table experience Aulis Phuket, would be tackling the match day menu at The Gourmet. Situated on the first floor of Fulham FC's new The Riverside development next to the Thames, The Gourmet will offer, according to the club, "a finely crafted four-course à la carte menu – as well as fine wines, Champagne and cocktails". Dining at the restaurant will also come with seats in Craven Cottage's Riverside Stand, close to the pitch where the Lilywhites will be playing. Speaking with The Standard, Marlow revealed that he is in fact a "lifelong" FFC fan and called his involvement with the new restaurant "an absolute honour". "I'm excited to contribute to the match-day experience for fans and I'm committed to achieving just as much success off the pitch as the team delivers on it," continued Marlow. "Fulham is putting something truly special on the table, both in the Premier League and in the kitchen, and I’m excited to be part of a team that’s as ambitious about their food as they are their football," added Dilling.

Ruinart Sommelier Challenge UK date announced

db staff writer — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 08:54:33 +0000

Champagne Ruinart's blind tasting challenge for sommeliers will once again return this year, with the UK edition of the competition taking place on 30 June. A total of 30 sommeliers will sip and swirl in this ninth edition of the UK version of the competition, which started in the US in 2010 and is now held in nine countries. Last year, the competition was won by Emma Denney, the head sommelier of famed Mayfair hotel Claridge’s, and the year before that it was Mateusz Kowalczyk. The challenge requires blind tasting a series of wines, coming up with tasting notes, serving recommendations, food pairing suggestions, and an indication of the possible place of origin. "The Ruinart Sommelier Challenge is a unique moment of exchange with sommeliers, culminating in an immersive experience in Champagne for the winner," said Ruinart's chef de caves Frédéric Panaïotis. The winner will join other winning sommeliers from across the world on a week-long trip to Champagne. After the competition there will also be a lecture delivered by Panaïotis, and the title of this year's is Fostering biodiversity through vitiforestry. The registration link for the competition can be found here, and will be open until 16 May.

Details revealed for Wines from Spain Annual Tasting

Michael Huband — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:52:39 +0000

Wines from Spain is preparing for the return of its annual tasting to the UK, with wines spanning 59 Spanish DOs, expert-led tastings and an innovative digital catalogue making it more valuable than ever. UK importers and Spanish exporters will share the limelight to show off a range of regions, varieties and producers at the Wines from Spain Annual Tasting 2025. Taking place in London on 1 April and Manchester on 28 April, it will feature 700 wines from 250 Spanish wineries in an open tasting format, with members of the wine trade and associated press be able to explore the breadth of Spanish production in a day. In London, a series of guided tastings presented by Sarah Jane Evans MW, Beth Willard and Spanish sommelier Manu Jiménez will introduce visitors to key trends, styles and categories. The titles include Mountain Wines, New Trends, Rare Varietals, Garnacha and Cava de Guarda Superior. In Manchester, themed flights will group products together according to their market position. It encompasses flights based on consumer perception, with one entitled ‘Classic Spain’ offering a primer on the nation’s key styles. The ‘Off the beaten track’ flight, meanwhile, will prove that even one of the world’s three biggest wine-producing countries has hidden gems to discover. Sarah Jane Evans MW will also lead a tasting of Cava de Guarda Superior wines and introduce visitors to old-vine Garnachas from DO Campo de Borja.

Awards and innovation

In a first for 2025, each day will host a tasting of top performers in the inaugural Wines from Spain Awards. The tasting of Grand Gold winners will highlight some of the best bottles Spain has to offer. More than 450 wines were tasted blind in December, with the 100 best performers then submitted to a master jury on the final day. Only 17 of those secured the top designation – Grand Gold – and they will be on show at both UK events. Registrations for both tastings are already open through the Foods and Wines from Spain website. Moreover, Wines from Spain has recently launched its online event catalogue. The interactive digital tool provides visitors with a paperless means of preparing for their visit. They can filter through options such as winery, region or variety, to find the wines they need to sample. There are also options for organic wines and low and no alcohol wines meaning attendees can prioritise these popular categories. With a bookmark option built in, visitors will be able to keep track of favourites. They can even export these, including any tasting notes they have made, once the event is over. Further details and the event catalogue can be found on the tasting’s website.

Wine of the week: Pikes Hills & Valleys Riesling 2023

db staff writer — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:30:51 +0000

db's 'Wine of the week' is an "impeccably balanced" Clare Valley Riesling from Barossa-born winemaker Steve Baraglia. Baraglia considered becoming a chiropractor before he readjusted his career direction towards wine – his family has a small vineyard in Barossa Valley, planted by his grandfather 80 years ago. Swapping his home turf of Barossa for the slightly more northerly land of Clare Valley, Baraglia says that "there isn't much" he would change about the latter. "However," he continues, "its distance from the city creates a barrier to visitation from tourists, and it is a little harder for people to make a day trip." As for where he would like to go on holiday, Baraglia opts for "a quiet place away with family where I can switch off, with a few bottles of Riesling, of course."

Pikes Hills & Valleys Riesling 2023

Producer: Pikes Vintners
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Country: Australia
Grape variety: 100% Riesling
ABV: 11%
Approximate retail price: £12

Pikes' own vineyards are set in the Polish Hill area of Clare Valley and the winery has a special interest in Riesling with good reason. This wine, from the Sevenhill section of Clare Valley, has a pale lemon colour and shows pure Riesling – apple, pear, white cherry and a touch of honey. Medium in sweetness (13.7g/l residual sugar), the palate is impeccably balanced, with very crisp acidity supporting the sugar, and accented by a hint of white pepper and kitchen spices. Well-balanced and with lovely texture and good length, this wine will match John Dory fillets with a lemon-cream-chive sauce. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

A year of change at Champagne Canard-Duchêne

Patrick Schmitt — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:20:28 +0000

Champagne Canard-Duchêne has rebranded its prestige cuvée and reduced its bottle weight as the maison unveils a restructured range – and a new cellar master.

The new name for its flagship expression is the Iconic collection, which was previously known as Charles VII, and comprises four wines: Brut Léonie Iconic, Blanc de Noirs Iconic, Blanc de Blancs Iconic and Brut Rosé Iconic. These last three of these Champagnes are now housed in an exclusive, specially shaped bottle that is 13% lighter than the former package. Sitting below this top tier is a base-level range called the Essentiels collection, including Brut, Rosé, Demi-Sec and Réserve,and then the Savoir-Faire range, including P.181 Bio and Millésime 2015. While these two latter tiers are aimed at the off-trade, the Iconic level is geared more towards fine-dining establishments. Launched in 1968 as Charles VII to mark the centenary of Champagne Canard-Duchêne – which was founded by Léonie Duchêne and Victor Canard in 1868 – the top-end cuvée has always been housed in a special bottle with a narrow neck to reduce oxygen ingression and a wide bottom to provide more space for the lees during the pre-disgorgement ageing process in the maison’s cellars. The lighter bottle has retained this shape, and now has a redesigned the label, with a “modern, streamlined look” according to Canard-Duchêne. Meanwhile, in January this year, coinciding with the launch of the rebranding, the house named Cynthia Fossier (pictured below) as cellar master, following the retirement of Laurent Fédou. Fossier, aged 33, has spent five years working alongside Fédou, who has worked at Canard-Duchêne since 2003.

Champagne Boizel launches single vineyard expressions

Patrick Schmitt — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:03:00 +0000

Champagne Boizel has launched two new single vineyard, single harvest, single varietal expressions as the maison draws attention to the top sites providing wines for its blends.

Both from the 2019 vintage, the Champagnes are a pure Pinot Noir from a grand cru vineyard in Tours-sur-Marne (pictured above) and a 100% Chardonnay from a premier cru plot in Villers-Marmery (pictured below). Speaking to the drinks business in January about the latest expressions from the masion, CEO Florent Roques-Boizel said that the launches were part of an additional line-up to the Boizel Champagne range, which would continue to focus on blends over time and space. “The best of Champagne is really about a blend, which is why our [presige cuvée] Joyau is a blend of grapes and premier and grand cru vineyards, but we are seeing more demand from Champagne lovers for mono crus, because they want to understand the components,” he told db, While Boizel is launching the concept with two Champagnes from 2019, he said that he will be releasing a set of expressions from every subsequent harvest, highlighting different vineyards, with one to three cuvées in each vintage. “We have made a mono-cru Champagne from every vintage since 2019, but not from the same terroir,” he said, noting that the expressions were priced between Boizel’s vintage (£65) and flagship, Joyau (approx. £110 UK retail). As for the target market for the single-vineyard Champagnes, Florent believes he will recruit customers in the trade among the specialist wine merchants and bars in France, as well as “wherever there is a keen interest in the specifics of Champagne,” while he also hopes the new expressions will find homes among Boizel’s “strong base of private customers in France”. Indeed, Boizel is unusual among major maisons in that its main sales channel in the domestic market is direct-to-consumer, with an online mailing list of regular buyers that amounts to around 20,000 people. Speaking about this aspect to the house, Florent said that it was something his parents developed over many years, mirroring an approach to domestic sales more commonly taken by grower-bottlers in Champagne, as opposed to the maisons. Meanwhile, commenting on last year’s sales performance, Florent said that Boizel had bucked the market trend. While overall Champagne shipments were down just over 9%, Boizel had “a relatively good year; we grew a little bit in this difficult market,” he said. Such a performance relates to “a lot of changes in the last two years at Boizel, with a new identify and the opening of new export markets,” according to Florent. Other positive impacts on the producer’s sales have been “the French direct [to consumer] market, which has been quite good for us”, and, “a big change for us at the end of the year, when we started to work with Majestic as our exclusive importer in the UK.” This move was implemented in October, and helped Boizel “have a good end of the year” in the UK. As for other nations, Florent picked out South Korea, Thialand and Japan as areas of growth for Boizel, while, for this year, he is hopeful for expansion in Italy, having moved its distribution to Allegrini, which he believes will raise Boizel’s profile in high-end restaurants. As a result of such a change in Italy, and the new tie-up with Majestic in the UK, Florent is forecasting further growth for Boizel in 2025. While he acknowledges that there is still “a lot of uncertainty” in the world, he is “optimistic” for the wider global market for Champagne, both due to the fact that the distributors and retailers seemed to have reduced their stock levels, and because prices seem to be stabilising.

Drinks and hospitality sector to feel impact of Italy’s Highway Code

Jessica Mason — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:27:26 +0000

Nearly half of Italy’s drinkers will cut back on going out due to the country’s new road laws. Here's guidance on navigating the changes. According to data gathered from a CGA by NIQ, 44% of consumers plan to reduce their visits to bars and restaurants as a result of Italy’s new Highway Code penalties. The legislation came into effect from 14 December 2024, with a stricter policy on drinking and driving and outlined plans to enforce harsher penalties and an increase in roadside checks. However new data has identified that, now that nearly all consumers in Italy are aware of the new rules, 46% intend to modify their drinking and socialising habits accordingly. 44% plan to curtail going out to bars and restaurants with Millennials (49%) and residents of Milan (55%) being especially likely to make adjustments in response to the changes. Cities renowned for their vibrant nightlife and social drinking culture, such as Rome and Milan are expected to experience declines in footfall. Analysts at CGA have outlined that among those who express a desire to change their drinking habits, two main trends emerge. The most common response, cited by nearly two in five consumers, is an increase in soft drink consumption. Close behind, around one in three Italians report reducing their intake of alcoholic beverages, without substituting them with either non-alcoholic or de-alcoholised alternatives. The findings have shown that Gen Z is at the forefront of these shifts. While 37% of consumers express a preference for non-alcoholic drinks—such as soft drinks—this trend is particularly pronounced among younger individuals, who drive the increase. Additionally, Gen Z shows a higher inclination towards no- and low-alcohol alternatives, such as 0% ABV beer and mocktails (22% vs. 16% of average consumers). According to the data, one in three Italian consumers intends to continue drinking alcohol but in smaller quantities. In Milan, in particular, consumers are opting for lower-alcohol alternatives, such as switching from cocktails to beer, a choice indicated by 17% of respondents (compared to 14% overall), the research revealed. Another notable trend emerging from the CGA survey insights is the diversification of consumer choices. The report detailed how analysts had identified that the share of consumers engaging with various categories has increased, with aperitifs and wine seeing the most significant growth, compared to beer and spirits. The CGA analysts mused that “there could be several reasons behind aperitifs and wine emerging as key choices for those adjusting their habits. One of the factors could be the association of these categories with slower, more social consumption, where second rounds are less frequent. Secondly, they are typically linked to meal-oriented occasions, where alcohol consumption tends to be lower compared to late-night or high-energy drinking occasions”. However, they also observed that “this trend does not necessarily mean that these categories are experiencing higher sales volumes. Rather, it suggests that more consumers are incorporating them into their choices, broadening the range of drinking occasions”. The analysts advised that if “nearly one in three consumers plan to drink less alcohol, brands that can effectively engage consumers early in the decision-making process through targeted marketing, strategic product placement, and innovative promotional strategies will have a competitive advantage”. The findings also revealed that, with the new regulations, one in four of consumers plan to favour local neighbourhood bars within walking distance, while one in five express a preference for venues that are less alcohol-centric, such as cinemas, museums, and food-centred establishments. According to the analysts, this evolution in consumer behaviour presents a new distribution challenge for drinks brand owners since it requires them to expand their presence beyond traditional hospitality channels and embrace non-traditional points of sale to maintain visibility. Speaking about this pivotal change in Italy, NielsenIQ’s Beatrice Francoli who looks after sales account development said: “The introduction of the new Highway Code marks a pivotal moment for the hotel, restaurant and catering (HoReCa) sector, bringing changes that present both opportunities and challenges. It is crucial for stakeholders to adapt to these developments by reassessing their approach to engaging with consumers.” CGA client success and insights manager Valeria Bosisio explained:“Understanding consumer behaviour is crucial in this time of change. The regulatory landscape is shifting, and with it, consumption habits are evolving.” According to CGA, the brand owners that can use the data predictions to work around the new legislation and find new ways to exist amidst the challenges will stay ahead. Bosisio insisted: “Whether it’s new trends in venues, non-alcoholic alternatives, or premium experiences, those who can use data strategically will not only adapt but thrive.”

Wine royalty snaps up California vineyard for rebrand

Sarah Neish — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:20:42 +0000

Arista Winery's Westside Road estate in the Russian River Valley has been acquired for a reported US$25.35 million as part of the reimagining of a wine mogul's existing label. Arista's Westside Road estate vineyard, planted to "grand-cru level" Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, is located in sought-after Russian River Valley terroir. Founded in 2002 by Al and Janis McWilliams, Arista Winery has been managed by the McWilliams' sons Mark and Ben since 2012, but it's about to get a new custodian. Revealing they decided to offload the vineyard to allow Al and Janis to retire, as well as to avoid accruing debt, the McWilliams told Wine Spectator: "We saw that paying current market rate for the estate would require Arista to take on more debt than we wanted to and make growth that much more difficult." As Arista Winery makes its wines using grapes from growers spread across Russian River Valley, the McWilliams will continue to make wine under the Arista name, just without using fruit from that particular vineyard, which represents around 10% of the business.

New guard

The 8 acre (3.2ha) vineyard, as well as a winery and tasting room, has been acquired by Chris Underwood, CEO of wholesaler Young's Holdings, one of America’s oldest family-owned businesses (founded in 1888) and the parent company of luxury wine importer Wilson Daniels. Underwood also owns wine brand Jonive, which uses organically farmed grapes in the Sebastopol Hills, the coolest area of the Russian River Valley. Explaining in 2023 why he decided to start his own label, Underwood said he had "immensely enjoyed" working in the wholesale side of the wine business, but had "always had this untapped passion and drive to produce fine wine in my home state of California."

Two years on from the birth of Jonive, Underwood now intends to expand on its 1,500 cases of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay per year, but says consumers struggle to pronounce his brand's name. Because of this, he plans to rebrand Jonive as Harper's Rest from 1 June 2025. The Harper's Rest name is a nod to Ruben Harper, a pioneer farmer that settled in the Russian River Valley in the mid-1800s and who is buried on the Arista estate's property. The McWilliams previously made a Pinot Noir called Harper's Rest, the production of which has now halted.

What now?

Underwood plans to use grapes from the Arista vineyard from his 2025 vintage, though the wines' name will change over to Harper's Rest from the 2023s. He is also working with an architect to give Arista's tasting room an overhaul, with plans to make more of the beautiful views over a knoll and Japanese garden planted there. "Definitely the big elephant in the room was the declining tasting room visitation,” Mark McWilliams told the San Francisco Chronicle. The tasting room is currently closed to visitors, which Underwood will want to change quickspeed in order to optimise its cellar door. At Jonive, welcoming guests to the winery is at the heart of operations with the team "thrilled to receive curious guests for a tasting and discussion of our estate wines, for a walk through our organic vineyard, and to have food paired expertly with each wine by our winemaker/chef," the website reads. Pricing wise, Jonive and Arista wines both retail for around US$70 per bottle so there's likely to be synergy between their existing customer bases. And with the property's 20,000 case storage capacity, holding back older vintages will certainly be possible.

High praise

Russian River Valley is fast becoming one of the most exciting global spots for Pinot Noir. Two producers from the region - Patz & Hall and Marimar Estate Vineyards - won Master medals (the highest accolade) in last year's Global Pinot Noir Masters. And in 2020 a body of research found that Pinot Noirs from five Russian River Valley sub-zones were identifiable based on the clusters of chemical elements in each wine, an important discovery as it means the authenticity of wines labelled from these regions can now be proven beyond doubt. These ‘fingerprints’ held true regardless of the vineyard site within the smaller region, the clone planted or which winery produced it.

Flat February for UK hospitality as sales growth stalls

Sophie Arundel — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:17:43 +0000

Managed pubs, bars and restaurants saw marginal sales growth of just 0.1% last month, as cost pressures and cautious consumer spending continue to challenge the sector. Britain’s leading managed hospitality groups recorded like-for-like sales growth of just 0.1% in February, according to the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker. The figure points to ongoing pressure on the sector, with sales growth significantly trailing the current rate of inflation. The flat result follows a 1.3% year-on-year drop in January and highlights sustained consumer caution around discretionary spending at the start of 2025. Total sales across all sites, including newer venues opened in the past 12 months, rose by 2.5% in February. Despite the uptick, businesses continue to face persistent inflationary pressures, particularly with further increases to National Insurance contributions scheduled from April.

Pubs outperform, but bars see sharpest decline

Pubs were once again the strongest performing segment, with like-for-like sales up 1.7% compared to February 2024. The boost was partly attributed to the start of the Six Nations rugby tournament. Restaurant groups, however, saw a 0.6% decline in like-for-like sales. Valentine’s Day, traditionally a busy occasion, offered less uplift this year as it fell on a Friday—already one of the sector’s busiest trading days. By comparison, Valentine’s Day in 2024 landed on a Wednesday, delivering an additional mid-week boost. Bars continued their long-term decline, with like-for-like sales down 7.9% year-on-year. The on-the-go segment also struggled, slipping by 1.9%.

London lags behind regions

Karl Chessell, director - hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said: “After a flurry of spending over Christmas, it’s clearly been a challenging start to 2025 for the hospitality sector. Growth is very fragile, and hikes in National Insurance Contributions will pile even more pressure on managed groups." He continued: "We remain optimistic that spending will start to loosen, and brighter weather and big occasions like St Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter should help to rally sales. Nevertheless, real-terms growth will remain hard-earned for the foreseeable future.” Saxon Moseley, head of leisure and hospitality at RSM UK, added: “A second month of lacklustre trading results means that the hospitality sector remains in negative territory for the year to date. Consumers are opting to cut back on discretionary spending amidst growing apprehension about the UK economy and global instability. While the medium-term outlook appears more positive, the coming months will be critical for businesses grappling with both waning demand and rising costs. Next week’s Spring Statement represents a final opportunity for the Government to support the sector through this challenging period, with a phased introduction of National Insurance increases and a delay to implementing the Employment Rights Act high on operators’ wish lists.” The news follows just 14% of hospitality leaders saying they felt optimistic about the sectors prospects this year after the NI increase.

Why the gin industry will see a boost in the next five years

Jessica Mason — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:54:04 +0000

The global gin sector has been forecast to reach US$22.73 billion by 2030 driven by premium craft, flavour, and mixology trends. Here's why. The data, gathered into a category-specific report from Maximise Market Research, revealed that gin has also seen increased demand across the cocktail culture, bars, restaurants, and home consumption. According to the report findings, “consumers are showing a preference for small-batch, locally sourced, and uniquely flavoured gin brands” and, in terms of botanical flavours, “distillers are experimenting with citrus, spices, floral notes, and exotic botanicals to create distinct flavour profiles”. The analysts also identified that “the gin-based cocktail scene (for example: gin and tonics, Negronis and Martinis) is driving consumption in bars and home settings” giving the hospitality sector a clear route to gaining sales and riding its success. Added to this, the research has shown that there has been an expansion of premium and super-premium gins with “high-end, aged, and luxury gin variants are gaining traction among discerning consumers” while health-conscious drinking trends are also starting to take hold within the sector. For instance, the report analysts found that the trend for wellbeing is now being met by “low-calorie and low-ABV gin options [which] appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking lighter alcoholic beverages”. The sector has also been enjoying increased market penetration in emerging economies, according to the findings. Examples of this can be seen in the report where it outlines how “markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are witnessing a rise in gin consumption due to urbanisation, changing lifestyles, and premiumisation” all having an impact on interest in the category. Regional insights the analysts shared additionally showed how Europe, is the largest market, led by the UK, Spain, and Germany and has “a strong gin-drinking culture”. While North America along with the rest of the US and Canada are all seeing “rising craft gin popularity and cocktail demand” which has, in turn, propelled gin sales. Across Asia-Pacific, gin is still an emerging market with “China, Japan, and India driving growth due to rising urban affluence” while gin's success in Latin America and the Middle East are due to these markets seeing “increasing gin awareness and expanding premium spirit offerings”. In terms of the biggest industry trends in the gin category and the overall future outlook for gin brand owners, the analysts identified that sustainability in gin production is becoming more prevalent. The report noted how it is seeing “distilleries adopting eco-friendly packaging and organic ingredients”. Other trends being recognised across global gin are owed to its “crossover with other spirits” and is especially evident by the rise in “hybrid gins infused with whisky, wine, or aged in oak barrels” which are also making an appearance. Added to this, while gin’s mixability is well documented, the trend also being flagged by the new data due to the proliferation of of RTD (ready-to-drink) gin cocktails entering the category, primarily being seen by an influx of new “pre-mixed gin-based drinks gaining popularity” with drinkers who may otherwise have not chosen gin as their spirit of choice. The final trend highlighted in the report is for the steady climb of experiential marketing boosting the category’s popularity and consumer loyalty and understanding of gin in general. The analysts described how this has been supported by the emergence of more “personalised and custom gin blending experiences” due to more “distilleries offering custom botanical infusions” to appeal to a broader base of consumers.

Champagne’s 2024 harvest: small but mighty

Eloise Feilden — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:48:02 +0000

Ten days of sun in September "saved the harvest" in Champagne in 2024, according to Perrier-Jouët winemaker Séverine Frerson, providing good balance and maturity despite reduced yields. Prior to September, 2024 would have been considered a rainy year in Champagne, confronting winemakers in the region with a series of challenges to overcome. It wasn't until mid-August that the rain began to let up, and in the end, just 10 days of sun in September "saved the harvest", Frerson told db at a vins clairs tasting of the latest vintage last week. "This year, at first it was not easy because it was so complicated, but in the end we are very happy with the results," she said to a group of international journalists visiting the maison to taste the vins clairs of the 2024 harvest. Perrier-Jouët, the Épernay-based maison owned by Pernod Ricard, began picking on 15 September. Frerson said the high quality of grapes was an important positive considering the significantly reduced yields. Yields in the south of Champagne were worst impacted, with a "very very small quantity" of grapes. The north fared slightly better, "but the quantity is very much reduced", Frerson said. Yann Munier, the new cellar master at fellow Pernod Ricard-owned Champagne house Maison Mumm, agreed with Frerson's characterisation of the vintage. “The 2024 harvest turned out to be a wonderful surprise for Maison Mumm, with grapes of extraordinary quality making up for the low quantities," he said.

So what can we expect from the wines?

Frerson said the Champagne harvest reminded her of the famous vintages of the 1990s, offering "good balance, structure and acidity". The percentage of reserve wines used in non-vintage wines will be reduced this year due to the "delicate aromas and precision of the wines", she added. The year 2024 was in direct opposition to the previous harvest in Champagne, which produced wines which were "very open" due to the extreme heat. The "maturity was so high", Frerson said, thanks to temperatures reaching 40°C during picking.

Zamora Company launches Charmat method aperitivo ahead of summer

db staff writer — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:27:51 +0000

Zamora Company has rebranded Lolea in a bid to make the Spanish brand 'the new choice' of aperitivo in the Mediterranean. To position the brand as "the new choice in the thriving Mediterranean aperitivo scene", Zamora Company's global brand director Priti Punjabi said: "We have created products perfect for this growing category – a delicate, lasting bubble experience with natural botanicals produced in as natural a way as possible. “The ingredients, the subtlety of the flavours, and how we create the sparkle are all things we know will resonate with today’s consumer.” New additions to the Lolea range include Citrus and Floral Spritz variants, which Zamora Company described as 'modern Mediterranean’ flavours, with basil and bergamot used for Lolea Citrus Spritz, and blood orange and orange blossom found in the Lolea Floral Spritz. To achieve carbonation naturally, the expressions utilise the Charmat method – also known as the tank method or cuve close – which is a technique for producing sparkling wine whereby the secondary fermentation occurs in a pressurised tank, rather than in the bottle, like the traditional method. Both sit at an ABV of 8%.

In vogue

The lower ABV and fermentation technique taps into growing demand in the naturally-produced, sparkling, apéritif, lower-alcohol and ready-to-drink categories, Zamora Company added. To support the rebrand, the Spritzes will also wear new designs from UK-based design agency Boundless Brand Design, as well as a new Lolea logo, inspired by the setting Mediterranean sun. The design draws from the brand’s Mediterranean heritage and inspiration. The new Lolea Citrus and Floral Spritzes will be available across Europe at RRP of just under €10 (US$10). Punjabi added: “We really wanted to create an aperitivo for the modern drinker, so we looked at the category trends and spoke to consumers, which led us to our Spritz with a natural twist. Lolea fits perfectly – a light, refreshing style for all drinking occasions, made with natural botanicals and using only natural sugars from the grapes in the wine base. “Lolea really is the vibrant essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle. It is about the uncomplicatedness of the Mediterranean – pop open a refreshing spritz and share with friends.” In other efforts to get ahead for summer spirits, and in markets in Southern Europe, Zamora Company invested €2 million (US$2.18m) into doubling production of its Villa Massa limoncello plant. In 2023, the company recorded its highest turnover in its 77-year history, after growing sales to €268 million (US$293m).

Master Winemaker 100: Ralf Holdenried

Michael Huband — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:54:08 +0000

The director of winemaking at Napa's Black Stallion Estate Winery tells db about his upbringing in Rheinhessen, bluegrass festivals and the one thing he would change about California. From childhood chores in his family’s vineyard in Rheinhessen, Germany, to working with small batches of wine in Napa Valley, Ralf Holdenried has a rich, diverse mixture of experience. After studying Winemaking & Viticulture at the University of Geisenheim, he moved to California to take a degree in Fermentation Science at UC Davis, followed by an MBA. It was during this period that Holdenried became fascinated by California’s wine culture and the exciting, creative opportunities that existed here for crafting fine wine. He joined the Black Stallion Estate Winery team in 2014.

What job did you imagine yourself doing when you were seven years old?

I was a very active child. At age seven, I wanted to be a soccer or tennis star. Clearly, I discovered wine a lot later in life.

Who first led you down the winemaking career path, and how?

We had some vineyards at home in Germany – I grew up in the Rheinhessen – so winemaking was part of my upbringing. After high school, my first jobs in a winery sealed my passion to make wine. So it was my parents and the culture of the wine industry I grew up around, but also the passionate winemakers I worked with early in my career that all influenced me.

What’s the most recent lesson this job has taught you?

In the wine industry, like many others, things come and go. There is a certain circle of things repeating themselves; however, never in quite the same way – just the nuances are the same. Even though the wine world seems never-changing, having been around for thousands of years, in reality it is very dynamic.

If you were a wine, what would your back label say?

It takes a few minutes to open up, but then a friendly and fun structure emerges. Great paired with food and friends; enjoy now or over the next 10-15 years.

What’s the last book you read?

The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood.

What’s the last live music performance you saw?

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. It’s held in October, when the city’s weather is best, and is headlined by incredible artists playing American roots music, from folk to rock, soul and more. It’s free and family-friendly – a really great event that’s unique to the Bay area.

What frustrates you most about the world of wine?

The pretentiousness some people put on when talking about wine. We need to make our wines more accessible and exciting to everyone.

Which sustainability initiative are you most proud of, and why?

The water and energy savings initiatives we implemented at the winery. With Black Stallion’s solar energy system, we’ve been able to generate the majority of the winery’s energy from a renewable source each year. In 2023, we generated approximately 85% of our energy needs via solar. We also manage the water in our vineyards very carefully – we use soil moisture probes to monitor conditions every 15 minutes. This lets us immediately adjust as needed to ensure we are maximising any rain benefits, and preserve our water resources by using very limited irrigation water throughout the year. It is important to us to conserve our natural resources as much as possible.

If you could change one thing about your wine region, what would it be?

End wildfires in California.

Which winemaker do you most admire, and why?

Marcello Monticelli has been a great mentor and inspired me with his passion for years.

What is the most pressing personal or professional ambition you’d like to fulfil?

Get fitter, lose 15 pounds and keep a healthy work-life balance.

Which missing skill do you most wish you possessed?

Playing the saxophone.

What’s your idea of a perfect holiday?

The right mix of good food, history, culture and natural beauty.

What would your final meal be? And what would you drink with it?

Beef brisket with a wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon surrounded by my family – and I wouldn’t want to know it was my last meal.

Moderate alcohol intake boosts cardiovascular health, meta-analysis finds

James Bayley — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:47:10 +0000

A new meta-analysis of human intervention studies has reinforced the argument that moderate alcohol consumption plays a beneficial role in cardiovascular health. The study, published by the International Scientific Forum on Alcohol Research, reveals that drinking up to 40 grams of alcohol per day significantly increases apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) and apolipoprotein A-II (ApoA-II) levels — key components of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, widely known for its heart-protective effects.

Alcohol’s impact on blood lipids

The research, which systematically reviewed 25 human intervention studies, demonstrates a clear link between moderate alcohol intake and increased ApoA-I levels. The meta-analysis found that ApoA-I concentrations rose by an average of 7.77 mg/dL compared to abstainers, with men showing a more pronounced effect than women (9.70 mg/dL vs. 7.31 mg/dL). ApoA-II levels also increased modestly by 1.61 mg/dL. However, the study found no significant impact on apolipoprotein B (ApoB), a marker more closely associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. The findings add weight to decades of epidemiological research suggesting that moderate drinking is linked to reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, particularly through its influence on lipid metabolism. Given that HDL cholesterol plays a crucial role in clearing cholesterol from arteries and reducing inflammation, these results may offer further mechanistic insights into why moderate drinkers tend to have lower rates of heart disease.

A robust dataset, but questions remain

Unlike observational studies, which can be hampered by misreporting of alcohol intake, this meta-analysis focused exclusively on controlled trials, eliminating concerns about ‘sick quitter’ bias or misclassification. However, the authors caution that while the consistency of results is notable, the overall quality of evidence is graded as low to very low due to methodological limitations in the original studies. Issues such as inadequate randomisation reporting and inconsistent wash-out periods in cross-over trials meant that some findings had a higher risk of bias. Forum members reviewing the study remain confident in the central conclusion: moderate alcohol consumption has a tangible impact on lipid metabolism that supports cardiovascular health. “It is reassuring that clinical trials confirm the strong association between alcohol and lipid markers related to heart disease,” noted professor Curtis Ellison from Boston University. “Since these effects are seen across all alcoholic beverage types, it is likely the alcohol itself that is driving the changes.”

Gender differences and unanswered questions

One of the more intriguing aspects of the study is the gender disparity in response to alcohol. While men consistently showed significant increases in ApoA-I, the effect in women did not reach statistical significance. Some experts argue that the widely accepted threshold for significance (p<0.05) may be misleading in this context, as the observed increase in women closely mirrors that in men. Dr Erik Skovenborg, a Scandinavian Medical Alcohol Board member, suggests that “to the naked eye, there is no real difference between male and female responses.” Furthermore, the study provides little insight into how menopausal status might affect the lipid response to alcohol. Previous research has suggested that premenopausal women may experience a greater reduction in ApoB with moderate drinking than their postmenopausal counterparts, but this remains an area for future investigation.

A welcome challenge to the anti-alcohol lobby?

The findings arrive at a time when public health authorities are becoming increasingly vocal in their calls to reduce alcohol consumption. Recent policy shifts, such as Canada’s new guidelines advocating for near-zero alcohol intake, starkly contrast with studies such as this one, which suggest that moderate drinking confers measurable cardiovascular benefits. Forum reviewer Dr James McIntosh argues that “many recent studies understate alcohol’s protective role due to the way they handle confounding variables. This meta-analysis offers a clearer picture by focusing on clinical trials.” Of course, this does not mean that drinking beyond moderate levels is advisable. Excessive alcohol intake remains a well-established risk factor for a host of diseases, including hypertension, liver disease and certain cancers. Yet for those who enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a pint of beer at the pub, this study offers reassuring evidence that their drinking habits may contribute to better heart health.

Calvin Harris buys Scottish pub

Louis Thomas — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:15:44 +0000

The Dumfries-born DJ and record producer has acquired The Coach and Horses Inn in his hometown.

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A post shared by Calvin Harris (@calvinharris)

Despite being sober for the best part of a decade, Harris, alongside his friend Mark Irving, has acquired the pub he used to drink in before he achieved fame with hits such as One Kiss (2018) and Body Moving (2024). A source quoted by the Scottish Sun said: "Calvin is proud of where he was raised and has strong ties to his hometown." "Calvin and Mark have now taken over and Mark is landlord. They have created a company called To The Nines. It’s a gorgeous little pub with a great atmosphere," the source explained. "It’s a great grassroots music venue too, which is something they’re really proud of." To The Nines is listed on companies house as being under the directorship of Irving and 'Adam Wiles', which is Harris' real name. The correspondence address is just over the border in Carlisle. Harris left Dumfries for London in the early 2000s before returning once again to Scotland – the international superstar DJ now has a manor house in the Cotswolds, as well as an organic farm in Ibiza.

Celebrity landlords

Harris is far from the only celebrity to have invested in a local pub – the DJ joins the likes of director Guy Ritchie (Lore of the Land, Fitzrovia), thespian Ian McKellen (The Grapes, Limehouse), and, most recently, motoring journalist and agriculture advocate Jeremy Clarkson (The Farmer's Dog, Burford).

Bottega SpA explores Glera variety

Miona Madsen — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:00:14 +0000

For more than three decades, Italian producer Bottega SpA has driven efforts towards exploring the Glera variety and its potential, including in the super-premium category.

The world of sparkling wine regions is led by two titans. Champagne has the benefit of history on its side, and a reputation for super-premium cuvées at very high prices. Prosecco, on the other hand, has seen explosive growth to become the world’s largest region by volume. Yet the dichotomy of value versus volume does not need to be so clear-cut. Bottega, for instance, is dedicating itself to elevating Prosecco’s reputation through high-quality, sustainable and innovative production. Indeed, the company actively presses the point that Prosecco, even if different, can be comparable in quality to long-established Champagnes. As a relatively new venture, that is a demanding project. Although the family grape-growing history dates back almost 400 years, the company’s wine range was launched in 1992. Yet it has pushed the category with its five wineries across Italy in Treviso, Verona and Siena. In particular, a dedicated team of agronomists and oenologists at the Bibano di Godega winery in Treviso has conducted extensive research and experimentation over the last three years. The result is a range of premium Proseccos which make use of some of the best sites in Prosecco, including the prestigious Valdobbiadene and Rive DOCGs. Enrobed in its eye-catching bottles, they are now available in more than 160 markets as well as travel retail outlets all over the world. It has been a rapid rise into a powerful brand. Yet that is no accident. The winemaking at Bottega is led by the very best practice in Prosecco. Meanwhile, the company’s simultaneous releases of multiple vintages are flipping the notion of Prosecco for early drinking on its head. The process Bottega’s wines benefit from select individual vineyards located in the most suitable plots among the Unesco Heritage Hills, where Glera grapes are cultivated using sustainable practices and harvested by hand at the peak of ripeness. The grapes then go through a pre-fermentation cryo-maceration, which improves the extraction of colour, flavour and tannins from the skins of the grapes, also known as their organoleptic charge. The winery uses new ‘horizontal’ autoclaves to age its wines and long fermentation times to obtain wines with different organoleptic expressions depending on the individual vintages and the different crus. The result is extra brut sparkling wines suitable for fine pairings, as aperitifs, as well as tasty first courses or paired with white meats or game. Bottega’s idea of creating versatile sparkling wines supported by science was conceived a few years ago and pursued with foresight, aiming to give Prosecco a new image. It seeks to inspire the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of producing high-quality cru wines that will be in demand globally and served in prestigious restaurants, whether Michelin-starred or traditional, but all of high class. Four vintages 33 years since its inception, Bottega has introduced a novelty in the world of Prosecco, simultaneously presenting four different vintages of sparkling wine. These 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 vintages aim to seize and showcase the Glera grape variety’s potential, which can express freshness, aromaticity, structure, and complexity. The vintages are a part of Bottega’s decade-long project to enhance the character of Prosecco wines, starting with a flagship, best-selling Bottega Gold Prosecco, this year a 2024 vintage. At the top of the ‘Bottega Prosecco Premium Vintage Collection’ is the soon-to-be-released 2021 vintage Stardust Gold, which will retail for €250. The 2021 Stardust Black Prosecco DOC Spumante Extra Brut, priced at €119, is made with at least 85% Glera, with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as complementary varieties. The entire production process for Stardust takes a minimum of 9 months, including at least 8 months of resting on the lees and a portion of wine aged in oak barrels is added to prepare the expedition syrup. The Stardust Black bottle features 3,000 black crystals arranged by hand to create a stardust effect. The bottle has a striking black finish, further enhanced by a glittered label and capsule. The collection features a 2022 vintage Bottega Gold Diamond Extra Brut Prosecco, which has a mirrored effect and is adorned with crystals that spell the brand's name. The Bottega Gold Cru, a 2023 vintage, comes with a glittering capsule and is made from 85% Glera grapes sourced from the hilly regions of Treviso, extending to the slopes of Valdobbiadene. After fermentation, the wine is left in contact with the lees for at least three months. This process, involving the dead yeast cells, releases essential compounds that enhance the wine's body, structure, and aroma. The Bottega Premium Vintage Collection is now available on selected markets. Patrick Schmitt MW provides his tasting notes for some of Bottega's wines below:

Il Vino dei Poeti Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Spumante Dry Rive di Col San Martino

Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2023
ABV: 11%
RRP: £18
Residual Sugar: 20 g/l
Grape Varieties: Glera (minimum 85%), Pinot, Chardonnay

A ripe and peachy, expressive Prosecco with plenty of melon and pear notes, a sweet core, plenty of mouth-filling creamy-textured bubbles and a clean, vibrant and refreshing finish.

Bottega Gold Prosecco DOC Spumante Brut

Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2023
ABV: 11%
RRP: £ 25
Residual Sugar: 12g/l
Grape Varieties: Glera (minimum 85%), Pinot, Chardonnay

A deliciously fruity fizz with fine bubbles, pure, ripe peachy fruit, a hint of sweetness, balanced by a fresh and gently chalky finish.

Bottega Gold Cru Prosecco DOC Spumante Extra Brut

Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2023
ABV: 11,5%
RRP: £ 29
Residual Sugar: 6g/l
Grape Varieties: Glera (minimum 85%), Pinot, Chardonnay

A lovely if very dry expression of Prosecco, with plenty of ripe orchard fruit at its core, as well as a fine frothy fizz, and then a chalky, finely phenolic and quite firm finish, boosted by a cleansing zesty citrus edge.

Bottega Gold Diamond Prosecco DOC Spumante Extra Brut

Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2022
ABV: 11,5%
RRP: £49
Residual Sugar: 6g/l
Grape Varieties: Glera (minimum 85%), Pinot, Chardonnay

Plenty of creamy-textured bubbles and fresh apple fruit dominate the mid-palate of this fine, and very dry style of Prosecco, which finishes with some crisp citrus and crushed chalk, giving it a zesty, palate-cleansing edge.

Bottega Stardust Black Prosecco DOC Spumante Extra Brut

Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2021
ABV: 11,5%
RRP: £ 119
Residual Sugar: 6 g/l
Grape Varieties: Glera (minimum 85%), Pinot, Chardonnay

Delicious peach and pineapple fruit, along with ripe pear, are clearly present in this Prosecco, along with a firm, refreshing bone-dry edge. Such balancing characters, along with fine persistent bubbles, ensure that this fruity fizz is palate-cleansing and mouth-watering.

2026 could be a ‘turning point’ for wine, study suggests

Louis Thomas — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 08:33:44 +0000

The global wine sector could be headed towards a "recovery phase", in spite of the myriad challenges the industry faces, according to a new study presented yesterday in Milan. The study, called Resilience and Preparedness for the Next Global Wine Consumption Cycle, was authored by Jean-Marie Cardebat, economics professor at the University of Bordeaux, and the University of Verona's Davide Gaeta, a professor and lecturer on wine business and agri-food markets. Cardebat suggested that the cyclical nature of economic trends means that the wine sector will not have to hold out for too long for things to improve: "If inflation is kept under control, 2026 could mark the turning point, with the start of a recovery phase in 2027 for new, sustained growth for the wine sector." "But recovery that will not simply be a repetition of the past," Cardebat continued. "The sociology of consumption has changed, and the next cycle will feature new trends and consumers." Among the trends which Cardebat, who is also president of the European Association of Wine Economists, pointed to were premiumisation, wine tourism and emerging global markets. Alongside these opportunities, the study also cited some of the attributes which can make a wine business resilient, as listed by Gaeta: "A structured organisational model and sound governance that allows them to grow and continue to innovate; transparent information management; and targeted strategies for product portfolio acquisition and diversification." "Another crucial element," continued Gaeta, "is the ability to adapt to changes in demand through a flexible approach, both in the sourcing of grapes and the breadth of the product range. Segmentation of distribution, a thoughtful and diversified presence in international markets also allow the company to mitigate risks and seize development opportunities."

Case study

Also contributing heavily to the research as a case study was Masi Agricola, the famed Amarone producer and the only Italian wine company to be listed on the stock exchange (Euronext Growth Milan). According to the study, Masi's business model is highly resilient. The producer has expanded beyond its home turf in Valpolicella, with acquisitions in Veneto, such as that of Canevel Spumanti in Valdobbiadene and Soave's Col Baraca, and also outside of it, including Casa Re in Oltrepò Pavese, acquired in 2023. Regarding the latter, Masi Agricola CEO Federico Girotto said that the company expects "to replicate what we have achieved in Valdobbiadene with Canevel Spumanti, a brand that has continued to grow, including in terms of exports". The study also noted that Masi has invested in wine tourism, with its long-awaited Monteleone21 visitor centre finally due to open this year – the drinks business visited the incomplete building for the producer's 250th anniversary celebration back in 2022. The producer has also tapped into changing consumer tastes with new products such as its lower-alcohol, organic Fresco di Masi range. "We greatly appreciated the research and are proud to have been a part of it," said Girotto. "On the one hand, it can be a contribution to wine industry operators to understand and gain awareness about the real problems of the wine sector and its target markets, closing the space for omissions, pessimism and especially the illusion that everything can go back to the way it was. On the other hand, the study clearly outlines the characteristics necessary to deal effectively with the inevitable evolutionary path of the business ecosystem, the necessity of which runs parallel to the changes in the industry."

Top 10 countries with the highest wine import tariffs in 2025

James Bayley — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 07:22:51 +0000

The global wine trade continues to face significant barriers in the form of import tariffs, often shaped by protectionist policies, trade disputes and geopolitical tensions. The United States’ threatened 200% tariff on European wine, China’s now-lifted 218% duties on Australian wine and high tariffs in emerging markets such as India and Indonesia (OIV, 2024) are all key examples of how wine is often caught in global economic battles. The below examines the 10 highest wine import tariffs globally and covers both Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rates and retaliatory tariffs. Differences between bottled and bulk wine are also noted where applicable.

Russia – 20% on EU wines (potential 200% retaliation) (EU Commission, 2024)

Russia increased its tariff on wines from "unfriendly nations" (mainly the EU, US and UK) from 12.5% to 20% in 2023. This measure, in retaliation for Western sanctions, applies equally to bottled and bulk wine. Russian officials have threatened a 200% protective tariff on EU wines in response to continued sanctions, which would effectively eliminate European wine from the Russian market. Wine from “friendly” nations (e.g., Chile, Armenia, South Africa) continues to enter under lower or duty-free terms.

Brazil – 27% MFN tariff on all imported wine (WTO, 2024)

Brazil applies a 27% import duty under the Mercosur Common External Tariff, making it one of the highest base tariffs among major economies. This rate applies to both bottled and bulk wine, with no preferential treatment for large shipments. Additional state and federal taxes often push final retail prices far higher.

Morocco – 49% MFN tariff (Moroccan Trade Ministry, 2024)

Morocco imposes an approximate 49% MFN tariff on imported wine. While the European Union benefits from reduced rates due to a trade agreement, non-preferential nations face steep barriers. The tariff applies to all types of wine equally, without distinction between bottled and bulk.

Vietnam – 50% MFN tariff (phased reductions for trade partners) (Vietnam Ministry of Trade, 2024)

Vietnam applies a 50% MFN tariff on wine imports. However, it has gradually reduced tariffs for the EU, Australia and Chile through free trade agreements, with European wine set to enter duty-free by 2027. The 50% rate still applies to non-preferential wines, including those from the United States.

Indonesia – 90% MFN tariff on all wine categories (Indonesia Trade Authority, 2024)

Indonesia enforces a 90% import duty on all wines, whether bottled or bulk. Additional taxes, including excise duties and VAT, often make wine prohibitively expensive, with retail prices sometimes three to four times the import cost. The high tariff aligns with religious and social restrictions on alcohol.

India – 150% tariff on imported wines (Indian Ministry of Commerce, 2024)

India imposes a 150% import duty on all wines, one of the highest rates globally. Though free trade negotiations with the EU and UK are ongoing, no major reductions have been secured. Australia has managed to reduce duties for premium wines through a trade deal, but for most exporters, India remains one of the toughest wine markets due to state-level excise duties that further raise costs.

Iraq – 200% tariff on all alcohol imports (Iraqi Trade Authority, 2024)

Iraq levies a 200% import duty on all alcoholic beverages, including wine. This extreme tariff, in place since 2016, is one of the highest globally, effectively tripling the cost of imported wine. There are few exceptions, with only diplomatic imports and some tourism-sector imports avoiding the full tariff burden.

United States – Proposed 200% tariff on EU wine (unconfirmed) (the drinks business)

US President Donald Trump has proposed a 200% tariff on European wine in retaliation for EU tariffs on US goods. While this tariff has not been formally imposed, its potential impact would be catastrophic for EU wine exports, as the US remains a key market for European producers. If enforced, it would likely eliminate most European wine sales in the US.

Malaysia – 150–250% effective tax on wine (Malaysian Trade Ministry, 2024)

Malaysia employs a complex tax system where import duties, excise taxes, and VAT combine to impose an effective 150% to 250% tax on imported wine. Unlike other countries with simple ad valorem tariffs, Malaysia calculates duties based on alcohol content and volume, making it one of the most expensive markets for wine imports.

Egypt – 1,800% MFN tariff on still wine, 3,000% on sparkling wine (WTO, 2024)

Egypt imposes a staggering 1,800% tariff on still wine and 3,000% on sparkling wine, making it the highest import tariff in the world for wine. These tariffs effectively ban foreign wine imports, with only limited exemptions for the tourism sector where a 300% tariff plus VAT applies.

Trump’s tariff threat: an opportunity for English Sparkling?

Sophie Arundel — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:56:54 +0000

With President Trump threatening a 200% tariff on EU wine and Champagne, English sparkling producers could see new opportunities in the US market. Ruth Simpson, co-founder of Simpsons' Wine Estate, tells Sophie Arundel why it will be keeping a careful eye on the constantly unfolding issue.

The potential introduction of a 200% tariff on European wine and Champagne by President Donald Trump could open new doors for English sparkling wine in the US. While the policy is intended to benefit American producers, some UK winemakers are already seeing increased interest from US importers seeking alternative premium sparkling wines.

The Times recently reported that Hugo Stewart, winemaker at Domaine Hugo in Wiltshire, was reconsidering a long-booked trip to the US following Trump’s announcement. Shortly after the tariff threat, Stewart received an order from an importer in Oregon who had previously shown interest but had not acted for two years. Trump suggested the levy could be introduced in response to the EU’s planned 50% tariff on US whiskey, posting on Truth Social that it would be “great for the wine and Champagne businesses in the US.” While analysts at Bernstein noted that US producers like Constellation Brands could benefit, some believe English sparkling wine could also gain ground as American consumers look for European alternatives. Among them is Patrick McGrath, co-founder of Domaine Evremond, a Kent-based estate established with Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger. He acknowledged that a UK exemption from tariffs would benefit British wine, but warned: “There should be no tariffs at all. It’s a disaster and we’re all in the same boat … It’s definitely not good news.”

'It is early days'

However, not all English producers believe the tariff talk has had any drastic impact just yet. Ruth Simpson, co-founder of Simpsons’ Wine Estate based in Elham Valley, noted that while her company has seen growing interest and uptake in the US, this trend began before the tariff discourse took over the headlines. “It has not been altered by the fact that Trump has now announced the proposed 200% tariffs on European Champagne and wine imports as yet, but it is early days,” she said. “We will just be extremely careful from now on not to ship too much wine at any one time to the US, in case the tariff situation changes while in transit”. Simpson also pointed out that there is still uncertainty over whether tariffs will extend to UK wine and that any potential gains must be weighed against the unpredictability of US trade policy. “There will always be a risk associated with tariffs, which will depend on completely unrelated geopolitical factors,” she said. The UK wine industry remains small but is growing. According to WineGB, the national industry body, UK wine exports doubled from 4% to 8% of total production in just two years. In 2023, a record 8.8 million bottles of English and Welsh wine were sold, with the US ranking as the third-largest export market after Scandinavia. Despite the potential for increased sales, concerns persist about trade volatility. McGrath pointed to Trump’s previous 25% tariff on single malt Scotch whisky in 2019, which cost the industry an estimated £600 million before it was lifted under President Biden in 2021. Some producers fear a similar move could eventually target UK wine. For Simpsons’ Wine Estate, maintaining strategic flexibility is key: “We will be keeping a careful eye on the direction of travel and remain prudent as to how much wine we send to the market at a given time, in case of changes to tariffs while product is in transit,” Simpson explained.

The perspective surrounding English sparkling

In terms of consumer awareness, Simpson sees one of the greatest challenges as positioning English sparkling wine alongside Champagne. “The initial challenge will always be explaining why English sparkling wine is as good as, if not better than, Champagne and justifying the price point. This process has already begun in many states and the audiences we have come across so far are very receptive,” she said. She also highlighted the potential influence of major players such as Jackson Family Wines, which recently invested in English winemaking: “The installation of the large US company Jackson Family Wines in the UK is a huge opportunity and will undoubtedly help further raise awareness once they begin releasing their English wines.” Looking ahead, Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro research at ING, suggested that even if Trump does not impose this particular tariff, more could follow. “Our take is really this [time] Donald Trump is much less transactional than many of us in Europe had always thought. [We expect that] he will really push through with the tariffs,” he said. While English sparkling wine may gain some traction in the US, the long-term effects of trade disputes remain uncertain. As Domaine Hugo’s Stewart put it: “With a 200% tariff, consumption would go down quite a bit, but you’re always going to get that core group of people who have got money and just want to drink Champagne.”

Optimism despite uncertainty

However, Simpson remains optimistic about the future of English sparkling wine in export markets: “Export offers huge opportunity for growth, but more producers are waking up to that, so there will be more competition in certain export markets. The important thing to ensure is that the increase of product in those markets does not drive the price down. At Wine Paris the level of interest in our category as a whole was huge, but it was also reassuringly apparent that our products are viewed as a premium offering.” With export making up almost 50% of Simpsons’ sales, Simpson believes the long-term outlook remains strong, regardless of tariff uncertainty. “We therefore still believe the export future is bright!” she concluded.

10 ways hospitality businesses can benefit from AI in 2025

James Bayley — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:32:31 +0000

The UK hospitality sector is rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and enhance both staff and guest experiences. From back-of-house logistics to front-of-house service, AI tools are driving improvements in productivity, efficiency and personalisation. Below, we explore ten key areas where AI programmes — both established and emerging — are helping UK hospitality businesses, with specific examples of vendors and platforms leading the way.

1. Productivity on tap

Hospitality operators are using AI to boost productivity by automating routine tasks and generating creative content on demand. For example, Fourth’s AI platform uses real-time predictions to optimise restaurant and hotel operations. Its AI-driven system can forecast demand for both staffing and inventory, freeing managers from tedious planning. PizzaExpress, Wagamama and others using Fourth’s platform report far more accurate forecasts and faster decision-making. Overall, whether it’s auto-replenishing kitchen inventory or instantly writing a new cocktail blurb, AI is providing “productivity on tap” for hospitality businesses by handling the grunt work and letting staff focus on high-value tasks.

2. Workload reduction

AI is also tackling the heavy workloads faced by hospitality managers through the automation of labour-intensive processes. One prime example is AI-driven rota scheduling. Instead of managers spending hours tweaking staff rotas, systems like Rotageek and Fourth’s scheduling AI auto-generate optimal shift patterns in seconds. Rotageek’s Auto Scheduler uses an algorithm to consider sales forecasts, staff availability, skills and even fairness rules, then produces a complete rota “at the click of a button,” filling every shift with the right staff. This not only saves time but ensures compliance with labour rules and reduces errors. Platforms like Supy and Nory integrate with POS systems to track stock levels and predict supply needs automatically. For instance, after the Emirati-UK restaurant chain Pinza! adopted Supy’s AI-powered inventory solution, they eliminated days of manual data aggregation and saw an 18% drop in ingredient wastage

3. Cost savings

In an industry with tight margins, AI tools are becoming indispensable for cutting costs. One major area is dynamic pricing and revenue management. Hotels in the UK commonly use AI-driven pricing platforms like Duetto to adjust room rates in real-time based on demand. Duetto’s machine learning algorithms analyse market data continuously and automatically tweak prices to maximize revenue – raising rates when a big event boosts demand or dropping them if bookings slow.

4. Customer service

Excellent customer service is the cornerstone of hospitality, and AI is elevating service quality through speedy, personalised support. AI chatbots are now common on hotel and restaurant websites and messaging channels, providing instant responses to guest inquiries 24/7. In the UK, many pubs and restaurants use chatbots to handle booking requests, FAQs and simple customer questions outside of business hours.

5. Creative support

Innovation in food and beverage is another area getting a boost from AI, which acts as a creative assistant to chefs, bartenders and marketers. An intriguing example is the use of generative AI to design new cocktail menus and culinary ideas. In one case, a bar created an entire seasonal cocktail menu using AI tools: the owner fed themes and prompts to ChatGPT (for text) and DALL-E (for images) to come up with unique drink concepts accompanied by vivid illustrations. The result was an AI-generated menu featuring creative cocktails with backstories and artwork, which not only saved the team time in brainstorming but also captivated customers with its novelty. Closer to home, some UK mixologists have experimented with AI like IBM’s Chef Watson or flavour-pairing algorithms to develop new recipes – for instance, suggesting surprising ingredient combinations that a human might overlook.

6. Stress reduction

Running a hospitality business can be high-pressure, but AI is helping to reduce stress on managers and staff by automating tedious tasks and providing decision support. A significant source of stress for managers is constant “firefighting” and administrative overload – creating schedules, crunching numbers and writing reports. AI tools are alleviating this by taking over many of these duties. For example, an AI scheduling assistant can instantly produce a compliant staff rota, sparing a GM the Sunday night headache of rearranging shifts. Likewise, AI analytics can auto-generate a daily performance report or forecast, so managers aren’t up late compiling spreadsheets. By offloading repetitive chores, AI gives managers back valuable hours and peace of mind, which directly lowers job stress.

7. Automation & augmentation

Many hospitality businesses are embracing AI for automation and augmentation, using it to handle tasks end-to-end or to assist employees in smarter ways. On the automation side, marketing and customer engagement tasks are increasingly AI-driven. Hotels and restaurants deploy AI tools to compose marketing emails, generate ads and even manage online ad bidding. Social platforms like Meta and TikTok use AI to optimise ad targeting, which hospitality marketers leverage to get more reach for less spend.

8. Personalised experiences

Today’s guests expect personalised experiences, and AI is enabling hospitality businesses in the UK to deliver bespoke service at scale by analysing guest data. AI-driven platforms aggregate information from past guest interactions, preferences, and feedback to build rich guest profiles. Hotels are using this data to customise virtually every aspect of a stay. For instance, AI might note that a frequent guest prefers extra pillows and a 6:00 AM gym slot – the system can ensure their room is set up accordingly and even proactively offer to book their gym time. Modern property management systems augmented with AI can recommend specific room upgrades or amenities that align with an individual’s preferences (e.g. suggesting a room with a view for a guest who rated one highly before). Restaurants are doing similar personalisation – AI can recall a returning diner’s past orders and dietary needs to help the waiter suggest dishes the guest will love. A famous case in personalisation comes from the Dorchester Collection hotels, which used an AI tool called “Metis” to analyse thousands of online reviews and comments. The AI discovered that guests mentioned breakfast far more often (and passionately) than dinner, highlighting the importance of the morning experience.

9. Recruitment & retention

The hospitality industry’s staffing challenges – high turnover, seasonal hiring rushes and training new employees – are being addressed with AI solutions to improve recruitment and retention. On the recruitment front, AI-powered platforms are speeding up hiring by automating early-stage tasks. For example, conversational AI chatbots (such as Harri’s chatbot “Carri”) can engage job applicants on career sites or messaging apps. These AI assistants answer candidate FAQs, collect basic information, and even conduct initial screening questions to filter suitable applicants. By the time a human hiring manager gets involved, a lot of the time-consuming legwork – scheduling interviews and confirming qualifications – has been done, reducing days or weeks from the hiring cycle.

10. Security & compliance

Ensuring guest safety, data security and regulatory compliance is paramount in hospitality, and AI technologies are strengthening these areas through constant, intelligent monitoring. Cybersecurity is a prime example – hotels and restaurant groups handle loads of customer data (credit cards, personal info) and cannot afford breaches. AI-based security systems like Darktrace act as ever-vigilant guardians of corporate networks. Darktrace’s “Self-Learning AI” creates an evolving baseline of normal behaviour for every user and device on the network, and it can instantly spot suspicious deviations that could indicate a cyberattack. By autonomously detecting and even responding to threats (e.g. isolating a compromised device), AI cybersecurity platforms give companies a proactive defence, which is critical for complying with data protection regulations like GDPR. The UK recently trialled an AI age estimation system by Yoti in supermarkets for alcohol sales: a camera at self-checkout scans the customer’s face and the AI algorithm estimates age within seconds, flagging anyone who appears under 25 for a manual ID check. This technology showed promising accuracy and speed in tests, hinting at future use in bars, shops, or events to uphold age restrictions efficiently. Nightclubs have similarly piloted digital ID apps and facial recognition for entry to streamline compliance with licensing rules.

AI: the future, but not the boss

Despite fears that AI might be coming for jobs, the evidence suggests otherwise. Hospitality is an inherently human industry. Any efficiencies gained from AI simply allow teams to focus on what they do best — creating memorable experiences for guests.