Prosecco DOC continues to sparkle

Drinkers around the world still can't get enough of entry-level prosecco - seen as a party in a bottle -
with sales continuing to soar.

The Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC, the organising group for the appellation, has announced that there was a 7% year-on-year increase in its number of bottlings last year.

The consorzio shared that 660 million bottles of Prosecco DOC, which covers a large part of north-eastern Italy, were produced in 2024, the highest figure recorded, and one which represents an estimated market value of €3.6 billion, news portal the drinks business reported.

Celebrities got into the act, as well,  with Dolly Parton releasing a prosecco with Accolade Wines, and Andrea Bocelli working with Zonin. 

Pink Prosecco, with the addition of 10 to 15% pinot noir to the glera base, now reportedly makes up around 10% of Prosecco DOC’s total sales. 

Consorzio president Giancarlo Guidolin said 2024 was a “strong year” in spite of challenges across the wine sector, and expressed optimism for 2025. 

"As we look to the future, we’re doubling down on initiatives that resonate with modern consumers, making sure that Prosecco DOC remains a catalyst for connection and shared moments of joy," he signalled with a degree of hype. 

"Together, we’re writing the next chapter of Prosecco DOC’s story as the quintessential wine of sharing.”

Data from the UIV-Ismea Wine Observatory shows 2024 was a record year for the production of Italian sparkling wine, with in excess of one billion bottles produced: an 8% increase on 2023 numbers. 

Prosecco DOC production accounted for almost two-thirds of Italy’s total.

What the New York Times really likes about Tasmania

Wild places, indigenous culture and a restaurant that has not yet opened are among the the highlights of Tasmania that have caught the attention of the New York Times. 

The Australian island state was named No.29 of the newspaper's 52 best places to visit list for 2024, published this week. 

Here is what the paper had to say: 

"Venture outside and help protect vulnerable species in Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, with several new guided walks. Tasmanian Walking Company, in partnership with the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, offers a three-day trek across rugged Bruny Island (above) to map flora and collect seeds for the garden’s seed bank.

"To get a taste of the island’s Indigenous culture, join members of the local Palawa community on multiday treks through the powder white sands of Wukalina (Mount William National Park) and orange-lichen-covered rocks of Larapuna (Bay of Fires). 

"Or to get an actual taste of the island, forage for ingredients like wattle seeds and pepperberries with guides from Palawa Kipli, a company that is Indigenous-owned and operated - the experience ends with a tasting menu that includes smoked payathanima (wallaby).

"Locavore menus are the norm throughout Tasmania, and the chef Analiese Gregory, a wild-cooking expert, will be showcasing ingredients like hand-gathered abalone and sea urchin at her yet-to-be-named restaurant set to open early this year."

Tasmania was one of only two Australian locations to make the annual list, alongside Brisbane and other global destinations.

Acting Premier Michael Ferguson said to be recognised by the New York Times as one of the best places to visit in the world was a huge achievement for Tasmania.

“Not only is the New York Times one of the most influential publications in the world, but it also has a massive global following far beyond the US readership,” Ferguson said.

“This list will be an essential, trusted source of travel inspiration for many global travellers, and we have no doubt it will influence readers to come and visit Tasmania.

“We know Tasmania has what the world wants, with our world-class produce and beverages, our beautiful regions, festivals, world heritage sites, events and rugged walks offering something for everyone.

“Tasmania welcomed 1.26 million visitors in the year ending September 2023, up 31% from the same period last year, and we want to continue to sustainably grow the industry."

Paris Olympics to be alcohol free; unless you are a VIP

Rich and well-connected sports fans will be able to enjoy Champagne and other alcoholic drinks while watching events at next year's Paris Olympic Games.

Ordinary ticket holders in the stadia will not be so lucky.

In a stunning piece of hypocrisy, the IOC and local organisers decided there would be one rule for VIPs and sponsors, and another for the plebs.

French law bans the sale of alcohol in stadiums to the general public, but allows for exemptions to a limited number of events per year. So VIP guests in stadium hospitality areas will be allowed to quaff alcoholic drinks to their hearts' content. 

Ordinary fans will have to make do with soft drinks and water after organisers decided not to seek an exemption to the law. 

Under Evin’s law, in place since 1991, alcohol is banned from sale to the general public inside stadiums in France, and Games organisers had not sought an exemption, a Paris 2024 spokesperson said. The law allows for an exemption for 10 events per organiser per year per municipality.

“Paris 2024 will be organising more than 700 competition sessions over 15 days of competition,” the spokesperson said. 

“It is the strict application of French law that allows catering services that include the provision of alcohol to operate in hospitality areas, as they are governed by a separate law on catering.”

An exception. How very French. 

Alcohol was also banned from stadiums at the Covid-delayed Olympics in Tokyo, but events were eventually held without spectators due to the Covid pandemic. 

Beer and wine were widely available at the 2012 and 2016 Games in London and Rio de Janeiro.

For this year’s Rugby World Cup, which also takes place in France this September and October, organisers have negotiated an exemption for the tournament. 

So good news for notoriously thirsty rugby fans.