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A snapshot of wine business, research and marketing content gleaned from local and international wine media sources. Emailed Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.
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Today's Top Story
Riverland wine industry outlines challenges to Federal Government
Riverland wine sellers and grapegrowers met with the Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, on Wednesday to discuss the future of the local industry, calling for action to ensure it can overcome current challenges and set itself up for the future.
Today's Headlines
Misha’s Vineyard’s 18th vintage filled with “unusual events”
New Zealand winery Misha’s Vineyard have just released their 2024 harvest report, marking the winery’s 18th vintage. Located in Bendigo, Central Otago, the vineyard experienced a cooler than average season with lower than usual ‘growing degree days’ (GDD), but said it was a season of “unusual events” for the site.
Direct flights and new festival expected to boost visitation to WA wine region
Western Australia’s South West will soon host a new festival showcasing the best of the region’s food and wine offerings, paired with music. Pair’d Margaret River Region (Pair’d) will take place from 14-17 November 2024 and is intended to become an annual staple on the State’s calendar, creating job opportunities, attracting visitors, and boosting the local economy.
$1 million netting enclosure protects premium grapes at Barossa Valley vineyard
Treasury Wine Estates’ Koonunga Hill vineyard in the Barossa Valley is at the heart of the company’s latest climate adaptation response, with a new enclosed nylon vineyard canopy protecting the 14-hectare planting of premium grapes.
Australian wine sales to grow in Vietnam
Sales of Australian wine in Vietnam were AU$11.5 million last year and will continue to grow, said the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Andrew Goledzinowski.
Accolade launches website to inform Riverland growers on proposal
Accolade Wines has today launched a website to help growers understand its proposed solution to the challenges confronting the Riverland wine industry and its growers, following meetings with the region’s co-operative group CCW which saw “only a small portion” of CCW members in attendance. The CCW members will determine by vote whether Accolade’s offer is accepted, with a two-thirds majority needed in order for it to pass.
Stomping into the heart of Canberra’s wine country: small in size but not short on soul
The Canberra District Wine Industry Association (CDWIA) has announced the return of Stomp Festival and Canberra Wine Week, inviting wine enthusiasts from Canberra, the wider region and beyond to explore the local wine scene.
Wine brand promises to plant 1m2 of bushland for every bottle sold in April
In celebration of Earth Day on 22nd April, Hill-Smith Family Estates-owned winery Oxford Landing will increase the amount of bushland planted with every bottle of its One to One wine sold throughout the month.
Capacity entry limits removed to accommodate demand for 2024 Sydney Royal Wine Show
The Sydney Royal Wine Show has opened its entries for 2024, with the wine show announcing the removal of class entry limits due to an increased capacity for entries.
Centennial celebration: 100 years of scientific discovery at Waite Campus
The University of Adelaide’s Waite campus, described as the largest concentration of agriculture and wine research in the Southern Hemisphere, is celebrating 100 years of scientific discovery in agriculture, food and wine.
Accolade proposes buy-out offer to assist Riverland grapegrowers
Accolade Wines have proposed a potential lifeline for Riverland growers looking to get out of the industry, with an offer including $4,000 per hectare for red winegrape growers locked in contracts with the CCW co-operative group.
Australia
Accolade Wines tipped to merge with Australian Vintage or Pernod Ricard
A “tie-up” between Accolade Wines and either Australian Vintage or Pernod Ricard (ANZ) is “looking likely”, according to a report in The Australian. The publication reports that it’s now understood that “the whole investment case for Accolade Wines’ new owner, AWL – a consortium led by Bain Capital – was based on being able to merge with either of the two candidates”. The report stated that if Accolade doesn’t buy the Australian and New Zealand assets that Pernod Ricard has
Riverland Wine reaches out to government for urgent assistance
Feedback and suggestions presented by winegrape growers at last week’s town meeting at Barmera have been consolidated and a letter ’emphasising the need for urgent assistance’ sent to government. Riverland Wine says a letter summarising member feedback and suggestions has been sent to state and federal governments for their urgent attention following last week’s town meeting which heard winegrape growers voice their struggles to remain financially viable. More than 175 Riverland growers and industry and government representatives attended the forum
Newly released 2024 Wine Industry Directory becomes pivotal data source for a challenged grape and wine sector
Long regarded as a crucial resource for wine professionals, the brand-new edition of the Australian and New Zealand Wine Industry Directory arrives at a time when its mix of industry data, contact information and supplier listings will be relied on more than ever. Despite well-publicised setbacks – and a difficult business climate – the grape and wine sector in Australia and New Zealand remains productive and resilient, with the former expected to contribute a multi-billion-dollar boost to the national economy
‘We need help and it’s money help’ — town meeting hears Riverland winegrape growers’ struggles
Riverland winegrape growers met with industry representatives yesterday to voice their concerns about their current challenges and come up with immediate solutions to put to government. By Meg Riley in Barmera Winegrape growers in South Australia’s Riverland have told of their struggles to pay their bills and their desperation to exit the industry altogether at a town meeting held in Barmera late yesterday afternoon. The meeting was convened by Riverland Wine in response to a request by the South Australian
New Zealand
Misha’s Vineyard’s 18th vintage filled with “unusual events”
New Zealand winery Misha’s Vineyard have just released their 2024 harvest report, marking the winery’s 18th vintage. Located in Bendigo, Central Otago, the vineyard experienced a cooler than average season with lower than usual ‘growing degree days’ (GDD), but said it was a season of “unusual events” for the site.
New Zealand Wine pushes for white wine glass emoji after initial request denied “without explanation”
New Zealand Wine is once again on the quest to secure a white wine emoji, after its initial request was denied. In May 2022, New Zealand Wine called on people across the globe to sign a petition for the inclusion of the white wine emoji on global keyboards, and an official request was made to the Unicode Consortium in July, but the request was declined without explanation.
WinePro New Zealand “not just about business”
Preparations are well under way in Marlborough as the region prepares to roll out the red carpet to national and international visitors for the inaugural WinePro New Zealand trade show.
Vineyard spray system that eliminates need for protective gear nominated for high-tech award
Southern Water Engineering (SWE) has been recognised as a finalist for the NZ Hi Tech Award for its fully automated smart spray technology, which Pernod Ricard said has revolutionised its vineyard operations and enhanced the health and safety of employees.
International
Championing Chenin Blanc: South Africa invests in ‘adaptable’ variety
An initiative is being launched in South Africa to advance the prominence and economic viability of South African Chenin Blanc. Titled ‘Premiumisation and Value Growth of South African Chenin Blanc Wine’, the project is a collaboration between South Africa Wine, The South African Grape and Wine Research Institute (SAGWRI), Stellenbosch University, and the Chenin Blanc Association of South Africa (CBA).
Aldi launches own-brand wine in ‘flat’ bottles, nearly seven times lighter than glass
Aldi has launched its own-brand wine in flat, recycled wine bottles, a first for a UK supermarket. Made from 100 percent recycled PET, the new flat bottles weigh just 63g – making them nearly seven times lighter and stronger than a standard glass bottle, while being completely shatterproof.
Barcelona Wine Week closes a record edition, with plans to expand in 2025
Barcelona Wine Week concluded this week with record figures, prompting expansion plans for 2025. The fourth instalment of the event, the 2024 edition of Barcelona Wine Week (BWW) grew by 15 percent compared to the previous year, featuring both more exhibitors and a larger exhibition space, whilst remaining committed to the sustainability of the event.
Marama Labs raise millions for scale-up of phenolic analysis platform
With customers such as Giesen and Cloudy Bay, New Zealand and Ireland-based deep-tech start up Marama Labs has closed its oversubscribed seed-plus round, led by European agritech investor The Yield Lab, with participation from global investors. Marama Labs, the startup behind CloudSpec, is developing novel spectroscopy technology for chemical analysis of complex liquids including wine, has closed a seed-plus round of €1.75 million (AU $2.89 million).
Announcements & Suppliers
EU Wine Label Changes: What Australian Winegrowers Need to Know
Beginning December 8th, 2023, a significant change awaits Australian winegrowers exporting to the European Union (EU). The EU is set to enforce a mandate requiring wine labels to feature nutritional and ingredient information, either directly or through QR codes known as e-labels.
Cooperages 1912 names Mark Roberts as new general manager
Cooperages 1912 have announced the appointment of Mark Roberts as general manager, starting from July 1, 2023.
ABEVE appointed new distributor for Tonnellerie d’Aquitaine
In preparation for the 2024 grape harvest, Tonnellerie d’Aquitaine are delighted to inform all winemakers that ABEVE will join their team and represent them across Australia and New Zealand.
Using ChatGPT in your business
The release of ChatGPT last November was a critical point in the evolution of AI.
Discover the Power of Smart IoT Irrigation in Australian Vineyards
With the challenges that Australian grape growers face, such as unpredictable weather patterns and an ever-changing climate, smart irrigation solutions have become increasingly important. Accurate soil moisture monitoring is essential to ensure vines receive the right amount of water for optimal growth and yield.
A ticket to ride: what is ESG and what does it mean for a small wine business?
For wineries of all sizes, addressing environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations is not an option – it is your “ticket to ride”.
