Wine tourism to continue to boom

Wine tourism is booming even as producers find it hard to sell their wines.

The sector is projected to hit US$138.4 billion by 2033, industry media hub the drinks business reports.

Wine tastings are a major driver of global tourism as travellers increasingly shun sightseeing for authentic experiences.

New data from Persistence Market Research (https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com) shows how vineyard tourism is rapidly developing from a niche pastime to key force in the global tourism sector.

The global tourism market is expected to surge at a compound annual growth rate of 13% between 2026 and 2033, thanks to the shift towards experiential travel.

Europe still draws the biggest crowds - accounting for nearly two out of five global transactions in the wine tourism sector.

Classic regions, including Bordeaux, Tuscany and Rioja, have enhanced the visitor experience through improved transport networks or hospitality infrastructure.

Rail connectivity, cycling routes and winery accommodation all boost dwell time.

Asia-Pacific emerged as the fastest-growing wine tourism region. The region made up 32% of market share in 2025, and is forecasted to blossom by 15.2% per year until 2033.

Persistent Market Research puts this down to rising middle-class demand and expanding wine tourism infrastructure. 

Ningxia in China is swiftly becoming a go-to destination for wine tourists, bolstered by state backing and increased local appetite.

In North America, wine tourism is also expected to grow in the coming years at a predicted rate of 12.8% between 2026 and 2033. Here, appetite for immersive travel experience fuels demand, with wineries using technology to capitalise on this increased interest with virtual tastings, bespoke routes and booking apps.

Discover new small group wine experiences in France

Calling vinophiles keen on an immersive experience in French wine regions. 

Tauck has opened bookings for its 2027 European land itineraries, including a new eight-day journey through France's Champagne and Alsace regions, and a new exploration of Bordeaux and south-western France.

A Week In… Champagne & Alsace is a new eight-day itinerary averaging 24 guests beginning in the village of Kaysersberg, Alsace, with a three-night stay at Le Chambard Hotel & Spa. Guests explore the nearby wine villages of Ribeauvillé and Colmar, visit a Munster cheese dairy in the countryside and enjoy a private dinner at a chef's home overlooking the Obernai Valley.

The journey continues to the Champagne capital of Reims for three nights at La Caserne Chanzy, a restored 18th-century military barracks. Highlights include a tour and tasting at a renowned Champagne house, an afternoon exploring the vineyards of Épernay by vintage car with a picnic lunch among the vines and an exclusive dinner at Moët & Chandon (above). 

The itinerary concludes with a visit to the Château de Chantilly and a farewell dinner at Château Mont Royal. Departures will run in April, May, June, September and October (from $12,190 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare).

Tauck has also reimagined its popular Bordeaux, the Dordogne & Biarritz tour. Refined from 14 days to a more focused 10-day journey, the itinerary is centred on south-western France's most interesting regions. 

Beginning with three nights at the very central InterContinental Bordeaux, highlights include a visit to the Cité du Vin wine museum and a château dinner in the Médoc. 

Guests then spend three nights at Hôtel les Glycines in the Dordogne, with a stop in the medieval wine village of St-Émilion, a private visit to Lascaux with dinner, and an exploration of Sarlat's excellent open-air market. 

The journey concludes with three nights at the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz (above), with excursions to Basque country and the historic fishing village of St-Jean-de-Luz and additional free time to explore the coast. From $14,390 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare).

See www.tauck.com.au.

One Bordeaux wine producer defies downward trend

There are plenty of doom and gloom stories about Bordeaux, with some vineyards being stripped in the wake of falling demand.

In contrast, historic right bank estate Château des Mille Anges is expanding its operations and planting new vines.

Chateau des Mille Anges has acquired neighbouring estate Château Génisson and is planning to replant 20 hectares of vines, news hub the drinks business reports.

The 25-hectare Mille Angles, situated outside Cadillac-sur-Garonne, 30km from Bordeaux city, has acquired Château Génisson with a view to re-planting the site as part of a long-term plan by owner Heather van Ekris to position the château “for recovery rather than retrenchment”.

“We are looking beyond today’s challenges and see light at the end of the tunnel,” van Ekris said.

“Bordeaux will bounce back, and we want to be part of that recovery. We plan to gradually re-plant approximately 20 hectares as market conditions improve over the next three years.

“The integration of Château Génisson is expected to enhance vineyard potential while continuing a shared winemaking heritage spanning more than two centuries.”

Château des Mille Anges has been producing fine wines for over 300 years. It was purchased by van Ekris in 1994 and has since undergone a revitalisation project, including the construction of a new barrel cellar and storage facilities.

Its red vineyards comprise 70% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon and 10% cabernet franc, while there are also plantings of sauvignon blanc and sauvignon gris.  

Château Angélus’s owner Hubert de Boüard and his team have been consultants at the estate for over a decade.

See https://www.chateaudesmilleanges.com/

Change of pace for exclusive Bordeaux hostelry

One of the very best addresses in the vineyards of Bordeaux will re-open for the summer season with a refresh and a new name.

COMO Hotels and Resorts has taken over the historic Cordeillan-Bages property, with the rebranded COMO Cordeillan-Bages scheduled to open for stays in May. 

The 19th-century château in Pauillac was converted into a hotel and restaurant in 1989 by the Cazes family (the owners of Château Lynch-Bages among others).

It is home to a restaurant that has been helmed by several esteemed chefs.

COMO Cordeillan-Bages will mark COMO's debut in one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions but it does have French properties in COMO Le Beauvallon in Saint-Tropez and COMO Le Montrachet, a delightful village' inn at Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy.

It says: "This intimate 28-room retreat brings together craftsmanship, understated luxury, and a profound appreciation for food and wine in the heart of the Médoc.

"With interiors by longstanding design partner Paola Navone, the beautifully restored 19th-century estate pairs contemporary comfort with the quiet elegance of Pauillac.

"A destination for true wine lovers, offering privileged access to Château Lynch-Bages and Bordeaux’s most legendary vineyards."

A stay or a meal will not be cheap, but the setting is superb. The property is exclusive and exquisite - when we dined a couple of decades ago Yves Saint-Laurent was among our fellow guests. 

Michelin turns its beady eyes to wine

First it was restaurants. Then hotels. Now Michelin is turning its hand to rating wines. 

The Michelin Guide this week announced plans to introduce a three-tier ‘Grapes’ system to rate wine producers. 

Burgundy and Bordeaux (how very predictable) will be the first regions to be assessed in 2026. 

Michelin has unveiled a new global distinction for wine, expanding the Guide’s long-established expertise in gastronomy into vineyard assessments for the first time. 

The new system, called the Michelin Grapes, will award one, two or three Grapes to wine estates, alongside a “Selected” category for producers chosen for regular review. 

Described as "a new benchmark for wine lovers", Michelin says the move offers wine enthusiasts a trusted reference point for discovering producers worldwide. 

The Grapes will evaluate estates using five criteria: agronomy, technical mastery, identity, balance and consistency across vintages. All assessments will be carried out by a team of professional wine inspectors employed by the Michelin Group. 

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director for the Michelin Guide, told reporters: “After having oriented wine-lovers towards the finest tables in more than 70 destinations and to the world’s most elegant hotels, the Michelin Guide is delighted to open a new chapter with the world of wine. 

"This new reference is designed for both the curious amateur and the most ardent expert.” 

He added that the distinction rewards “the people who are building the most demanding vineyards around the world.” 

Three Grapes will recognise “exceptional producers” whose wines can be relied upon “whatever the vintage”. Two Grapes will go to “excellent producers” that stand out within their peer group and region, while one Grape highlights “very good producers” crafting wines of character, particularly in strong vintages. 

The “Selected” category identifies dependable producers chosen for continued review. 

The inspectors are described as "seasoned professionals", including former sommeliers, specialised critics and production experts, selected for their ability to apply the methodology “with rigour and integrity”. 

To be honest I couldn't give a damn what these instant experts say. They will need to earn respect over the several years.   

Image: Ben Donath, Scop.io

Calling Australian lovers of fine Bordeaux wines

 

Calling Australian lovers of fine Bordeaux wines blessed with deep pockets. 

Wines from the 2022 vintage from the Bordeaux wine region have landed in Australia though auction house and importers Langtons, with one of the largest and most comprehensive allocations of the vintage. 

The offering showcases both regional stalwarts and up-oand-coming producers.

Available via the Langtons website, the wines on offer will include Château Lafite Rothschild; Château Figeac; Château Pontet Canet; Château Cos d’Estournel and Château Canon with pricing starting at $50 all the way to rare investment-grade wines for $2,000 a bottle. 

“Bordeaux has been an integral part of our portfolio for many years here at Langtons, and we are so thrilled to be welcoming its latest 2022 vintage into our extensive collection from the French region,” says Langtons head of Wine & Spirits Ramon Gunasekara. 

“The 2022 vintage has already been hailed as one of Bordeaux’s best in recent history, and we are proud to be Australia’s destination to get access to these very special and iconic wines.”

The benchmark 2022 vintage saw extremely hot and dry conditions throughout the region, but despite the extreme weather, many producers crafted wines possessing power, ripeness and vibrancy akin to vintages such as 1961 and 1982, the Langtons team says. 

“Irrespective of fluctuations being seen in the market, it's a wonderful time to buy Bordeaux, both new and old,” says Langtons head of auctions Michael Anderson.

“Brilliant vintages in Bordeaux like 2022 make for an excellent investment opportunity with savvy investors finding the top wines of the vintage and squirreling away their share to watch their value rise in the secondary market.

"It's a great time for those looking for both younger and older examples of Bordeaux to add to their cellars with the market very well-priced across a range of vintages, with my top picks to look out for being 2000 and 2005.

"Bordeaux remains a cornerstone of global fine wine collecting and a long-term luxury investment."

New rivals for dominant French railway company

Two new rail companies are set to offer some serious competition to dominant French national railway company SNCF.

Enter Le Train and Velvet.

SNCF already faces some domestic competition from Italian Trenitalia and Spanish Renfe, but both have faced difficulty making headway against the giant monolith

Le Train and Velvet are expected to launch in 2028.

Le Train aimed for its first journeys as early as 2026, but has been forced to push back, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

Instead of competing on rail routes from and to Paris, Le Train wants to tackle high-speed connections in the west of France, from Brittany to the south-west, including Bordeaux.

The company has ordered 10 new-generation Talgo Avril trains, similar to those that the Spanish Renfe wants to deploy on a potential Paris-Lyon-Marseille route.

Le Train says has the ambition of offering up to 50 daily trains in western France from its first year, including from Arcachon, Bordeaux, Angoulême, Nantes, and Rennes.

It is touting a travel time of under three hours between Nantes and Bordeaux instead of almost five 

hours now, as passengers need to change in Paris.

.

The future look of Le Train (Image: Le Train) 

Former TGV head Rachel Picard heads Velvet, which has signalled its aims to prioritise comfort and environmental commitment.

“We want to create an experience where passengers feel at ease, where every detail matters, while remaining committed to the environment,” Picard told French media earlier this month.

Velvet plans to launch its first high-speed trains by 2028, initially focusing on western routes out of Paris (Angers, Bordeaux, Nantes and Rennes). The company promises to provide 10 million annual seats.

Bordeaux over-supply crisis may see more vines ripped out

An over-supply of non-premium grapes is causing increasing concern in Bordeaux.

At least 5,500 hectares of vines may still need to be uprooted in Bordeaux by 600 struggling wine grape growers, officials say.

"We are losing more consumers than hectares today," said Jean-Samuel Eynard, president of the Gironde Chamber of Agriculture,

"If things don't improve, it will continue and continue," he was reported as saying by wine industry news hub Vitisphere.

Discussions continue in Bordeaux as to how many hectares of vines would need to be uprooted to return to a structural commercial balance that would allow wine prices to rise.

Bernard Farges, president of the regional wine council the CIVB (Bordeaux Wine Interprofessional Council), this week emphasised the problems facing the industry.

"The headwinds are piling up," he said. "Liquidations, restructurings, lost jobs, bled-dry businesses, a deteriorating economic fabric, and impoverished villages."

Are wine drinkers falling out of love with high-end Bordeaux and Champagne?

Is the world falling out of love with premium French wines?

The value of French wine exports has fallen for a second year even as shipped volumes crept up, with consumers favouring more affordable bottles, British wine magazine Decanter has reported.

Data shows that Champagne exports slumped, while demand for more modestly priced sparkling wines increased.

Foreign buyers favoured more affordable bottles from the Loire Valley and Provence over high-end Bordeaux wines.

The value of wine exports fell 3% to €10.9 billon last year, French wine and spirits export agency FEVS said.

That remains the third-highest on record, as greater export demand for regional bubbles and still wine without a geographical denomination partly made up for dipping sales for Champagne and Bordeaux.

The volume of export shipments increased 0.7% to 124.1 million cases, relatively stable.

French wine exports overall faced a double impact from inflation and economic uncertainty, and a shift away from the most expensive wines to more affordable options, FEVS president Gabriel Picard told Decanter.

"There is undoubtedly a shift in consumption patterns, and maybe the end of a phenomenon of ultra-premiumisation," Picard said.

"Products with higher added value, at least the core of the range, have held up rather well or even progressed, for example in the case of sparkling wines, whereas the very expensive Champagnes have tended to decline."

Shipments to the UK, the second-largest export market for French winemakers, increased 5.4%, while the value of exports fell 3.9% to €1.4bn.

The value of French wine exports to China slumped 17%, and wine trade with Singapore and Hong Kong also declined.

Champagne, which remains France’s biggest wine export by value, had a tough year in 2024, with shipments falling 9.7% to 12.4 million cases and export value slipping 8% to €3.86bn.

By contrast, sparkling wines from other regions, including Crémant de Loire and Crémant d’Alsace, saw export volume rising 8% to 10.3 million cases, and the value jumping 9.5% to €426m.

Bordeaux exports fell 4.5% in volume to 16.6 million cases, while the value slipped 1.4% to €5.28bn.

The Loire Valley reported higher export volumes in 2024, while Provence also sold more wine abroad.

"We see that the mid-range tends to be more resilient, that goes for the reds and the whites," Picard said. "The other trend that we see is there tends to be some sort of decline in consumption of reds, and good resilience or progress for the white and rosé wines."

Image: Andrii Omelnytskiy, Scop.io

Bordeaux winemakers pushing "drink local" initiative

Winemakers in New South Wales often complain they do not get enough support from restaurants in Sydney.

It might be cold comfort that Bordeaux region producers are having similar problems and are launching "drink local" initiatives.

The Bordeaux city hall and local wine groups are putting €30,000 towards creating a tasting program of local wines by the glass and encourage wine lists to be more Gironde-based, Vitisphere reports. 

"Bordeaux wines by the glass in Bordeaux" will soon launch in restaurants, bars and hotels in the region featuring three Bordeaux appellation wines in red, white and rosé at "an affordable price".

And each trio of wines will feature at least one organic wine.

The campaign is being orchestrated by the Bordeaux Wine Interprofessional Council (CIVB) to make the Bordeaux metropolitan area a showcase for its AOCs.

It is supported by the Bordeaux city hall, the Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Union of Hotel Trades and Industries (UMIH).

The aim of the operation is to increase the number of Bordeaux establishments that adhere to the Bordeaux local initiative (requiring that 50% of the wines offered on the menu be from Bordeaux).

CIVB president Allan Sichel told local media: "We need to convert the reluctant, those who have no or too few Bordeaux wines on their menu."

Budget airline adds new destinations from UK airports

Heading for the UK next northern summer? Fancy a cheap side trip to somewhere slightly more exotic?

Budget airline easyJet has announced it will launch six new routes from four UK airports this summer, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The airline is growing its UK fleet with an additional A320 aircraft at its Bristol base.

New services set to take off this summer include flights to Milan's second airport, Linate, from Manchester and Edinburgh, and two new routes from Birmingham to Gibraltar and Bordeaux.

The additional aircraft in Bristol will support the launch of new routes to Palermo in Italy and Almeria in Spain.

The new routes to Milan Linate have been enabled by the opening of a five-aircraft base at Linate next spring, following approval by the European Commission.

The airline will also open a three-aircraft base at Rome Fiumicino from March 30 next year, joining existing bases in Milan's main Malpensa airport, and Naples.

Flights to Linate from Manchester and Edinburgh will take off for the first time on March 30, with flights up to seven days a week throughout the year.

These complements existing easyJet services to Malpensa.

The airline will also increase frequencies from London Gatwick to Milan Linate from one to up to two daily departures.

From Birmingham, flights to Bordeaux will take off from May 1 and to Gibraltar from June 1.

New flights from Bristol to Almeria will launch on June 24 and operate twice a week. 

A new summer route to Sicily’s capital of Palermo will launch on June 26 with twice-weekly departures.

“Following another consecutive record summer, easyJet is continuing to grow in the UK next year with more aircraft, enabling us to offer an even greater choice of flights and package holidays,” said Ali Gayward, easyJet UK country manager.

EasyJet currently serves 21 UK airports, offering 585 routes to 136 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond.

UK politicians splash taxpayer money on wines

Australian politicians have been under fire for taking flight upgrades and using posh Qantas lounges but in the UK politicians have been splashing out on wines for themselves and their guests.

The UK Government has spent £97,189 (that's around $190,000 Aussie dollars) restocking its wine cellars in the last two years, government hospitality figures show. 

News portal the drinks business reported that there are currently 31,090 bottles in stock, with an estimated market value of £3.8 million, the figures showed, 

The stats showed that the government cellar was topped up with £49,862 worth of wines during 2023-24, including 888 bottles of white Burgundy, following spending of £47,327 the previous year. 

Over the two-year period, 1,920 bottles of English sparkling wine were purchased, 1,260 bottles of white reception wine and 480 bottles of red reception wine, as well as 60 bottles of gin. 

The average cost per bottle of wine purchased rose from £17.28 in 2022-23 to £24.66 in 2023-24.

Meanwhile, the hospitality wine cellar report also showed that the number of bottles drunk in 2023 to 2024 rose by 4% to 2,813 bottles compared to 2,713 bottles of wines and spirits used in 2022 to 2023, and 1,303 in 2021-22.

The cellar, which was set up in 1922 and is located in the basement of Lancaster House in Whitehall (above), is used to provide guests of the government, both domestic and international, with wines “of appropriate quality at reasonable cost”. 

A committee for the cellar, which comprises four MWs, also advises on wines – both those to be used at large-scale receptions, as well as fine wines that can be bought young and matured in the cellar.

Over the two-year period, 5,526 bottles of wine were drunk (100 less in 2023-2024 than in the previous year), of which around 65% (3,565) were English sparkling wines. 

Bordeaux was the most consumed wine, with 307 bottles of red Bordeaux consumed over the two-year period, followed by 215 bottles of red Burgundy, and 211 of white Burgundy. 

Individually, the top bottles in 2022-3 included a Pouilly-Fuisse les Vieilles Vignes 2007 ( maker identified), which clocked up the most bottles in 2022-23 (53), ahead of Bordeaux’s Chateau Rauzan-Segla 1994 (50).

Shades of Bordeaux from Margaret River

Margaret River has often been described as "the Bordeaux of Australia".

The region has a reputation for its cabernets, as well as Bordeaux-style blends.

Much like Bordeaux, Margaret River's Mediterranean climate has strong maritime influences from the confluence of the Indian and Southern Oceans. There are also similarities between gravelly soils an limited vigour.

As in Bordeaux, cabernet franc and petit verdot generally play minor roles as components of a Margaret River blend, but winemaker Michael Kerrigan gives both those varieties a chance to shine in their own right as part of the Hay Shed Hill bock series, wines made from the estate vineyard in Wilyabrup.

The 2022 Hay Shed Hill Block 8 Cabernet Franc and 2022 Hay Shed Hill Block 10 Petit Verdot both retail for $45 is purchased direct online.

"It is a thrill to work with blocks of fruit that express their terroir," says Kerrigan. "These wines represent the best of Hay Shed Hill.

"The blocks themselves have specific characteristics of aspect and slope that make them distinctive"

Both wines are made in tiny quantities and I preferred the cabernet franc with food (a rabbit stew) and the peitit verdot without food. Which is strangely counter intuitive. 

The fragrant cabernet franc is medium-bodied and has lot of length (think varietal intensity and terrific tannin structure), while the petit verdot is released as a varietal only in years with long, mild March and April temperatures, enabling the late-ripening variety to mature. The 2022 has distinctive violet/pepper aromas and brisk acidity. There are dark berry and currant notes to the fore and a rich, supple finish. 

A fascinating exercise to compare the pair.

See www.hayshedhill.com.au

Does your glass of Bordeaux wine taste a little Spanish?

The wine industry hates it when its bad news is shouted from the rooftops.

So I don't expect much love for this story, as sentences have been handed down in in a massive Bordeaux wine fraud case.

The case hit the courts after millions of litres of wine, much of it Spanish in origin, was passed off as Bordeaux of higher quality.

The fraud centred on the small vintage in 2013, it was heard in evidence.

Jean-Sébastien Laflèche, a broker based in Saint-Loubès, north-east of Bordeaux city, and Michel Gilin, a former wine merchant at the Celliers Vinicoles du Blayais, were handed 24 and 20-month prison sentences respectively, although both were commuted to house arrest.

Laflèche and Gilin were also given fines of €453,000 including property seizure, and the pair was banned from being involved in any wine merchant-based business for five years.

Three other defendants given suspended sentences and €20,000 in fines.

The five defendants were fined €670,000 between them for "irregular circulation of goods" with Laflèche and Gilin also facing €12,500 in private party damages.

"These fines are totally out of proportion," Sophie Benayoun, representing Laflèche, was quoted by French regional news outlet FranceBleu.

"And also unfair because it's always the lamplighters, the little guys in the dock. The big players are protected - or perhaps not, I don't know - but in any case, they are not under the scrutiny of the courts."

The defendants were reported as being likely to appeal their sentences.

French wine fraud scandal unveiled in court

The Bordeaux wine industry is bracing for another scandal after investigators discovered an alleged fraud scheme which saw up to five million bottles of cheap Spanish wine labelled as being French.

The Times and Drinks Business reported this week that prosecutors say the scheme generated about €4 million between 2013 and 2019.

Five suspects are facing trial in Bordeaux after being charged with fraud and could potentially face sentences of up seven years in jail. 

The prosecutor's office has called for five-year jail terms for the offender, Sud Ouest newspaper reported. 

Some of the bottles found to be part of the scam contained wines bought for a few Euros a litre but sold as high-end Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Saint-Julien and Margaux wines from Bordeaux.

The rest was sold as French table wine, which still demand a higher price than their Spanish counterparts.

The enquiry centres on Celliers Vinicoles du Blayais, producers north of Bordeaux, who allegedly imported cheap wines from Spain after becoming concerned that they would be unable to fulfil orders.

Treasury snaps up historic Bordeaux wine estate

Australian wine powerhouse Treasury Wine Estates is the new owner of Chateau Lanessan, one of the old wine estates in Bordeaux.

"We’re pleased to announce the completion of our majority acquisition of Chateau Lanessan," the company said in a statement,

Founded in 1793 by Bordeaux wine merchant Jean Delbos, the property features 390 hectares of land and 80 hectares of Haut-Medoc-appellation vineyards, a winery, and two 19th century chateaux in the commune of Cussac near Fort Médoc.

The vineyard is planted with 52% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot, 8.5% petit verdot and 2.5% cabernet franc.

The estate held a rating of Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, until this classification was annulled.

The Bouteiller family has been the custodian of the property for nine and will continue to play a role as Treasury continues to build its multi-national luxury wine portfolio.

Penfolds managing director Tom King said: “We look forward to collaborating with the Bouteiller family and winemakers to enhance the château’s production capability and reputation for quality wine, while also deepening our relationships with the local Bordeaux community.

"The region’s winemaking traditions complement the quality and innovation that Penfolds is known for, and we have ambitious plans to invest in the historic property and welcome wine lovers to experience the region’s unique winemaking traditions.”

No financial details were announced but the deal was completed earlier this week. 

China to open massive wine museum

While Australia struggles to sell any wine into China, the French are further strengthening ties with the Asian nation and hoping to further emphasise the quality of their wines.

The Universal Wine Museum, a huge project between the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux and Chinese investors, is scheduled to open its doors in Beijing in 2024, Chinese wine website Vino Joy reports.

The museum (rendering above) will span 18,000 m² and will be the second-largest wine museum in the world upon completion.

Designed specifically for Chinese sensibilities, the museum will not be a “replica” of its Bordeaux prototype, says Philippe Massol, general manager of Cité du Vin, but “adapted for Chinese culture”.

“The two establishments are gateways to discovering that wine is a cultural product, but it won’t be a copy-paste," says Massol.

The layout and design of the museum, created by Ateliers Adeline Rispal will be less technical and easier to access, in accordance with Chinese visitors’ viewing habits.

The project will be unveiled amid China’s growing interest for French wines particularly after the de facto exit of Australian wines from the market.

Demand for premium French wines led by Bordeaux and Burgundy is fuelling the country’s high-end wine consumption.

Vino Joy says the museum will feature a vast space for wine tasting and retail, with over offerings from around the world. The museum will also include a 450-seat auditorium for wine lectures and education.

Relief for Bordeaux vignerons

Vignerons in Bordeaux are relieved that the region's vineyards appear to have avoided smoke taint damage despite recent wildfires (above) in the region. 

A conference organised by the Union of Oenologists of France at the Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences (ISVV) heard the news was positive. 

"We winegrowers, we are absolutely not worried," said Dominique Guignard, the president of the AOC Graves appellation. 

"In the vineyard there is no there is no concern, we have a vintage that promises to be exceptional,” he was reported as saying by the Vitisphere industry website. 

There were fires in July and August in the South Gironde including Landiras, which borders Graves and Sauternes. 

Guignard said smoke odours were rapidly dissipated by strong winds. 

“Today, from an analytical point of view, we are very confident about the harvest to come,” said  Vincent Renouf, general manager of Excell laboratories, based in Floirac, who said almost 400 analyses had proven negative to smoke taint. 

"To date, and there is no reason for this to change, we have very reassuring data on the potential organoleptic effects of fires on Bordeaux wines," he said. 

Bordeaux beats environmental targets

Mission accomplished. 

After aiming for a 20% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2020, the Bordeaux wine region has reported an actual drop of 30% in its carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over the 12 years.

The Interprofessional Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) reported the figures this week during its 12th environmental forum at the Palais des Congrès in Bordeaux.

The carbon footprint of the Bordeaux wine industry amounted to 587,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2020, compared to 840,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2008, Vitisphere reported. 

There has been "real progress", says Laurent Charlier, the research and innovation manager of the CIVB. 

Laure Le Quéré, project manager at the Greenflex consulting firm, said successful initiatives had included lighter bottles and monitoring of energy consumption. 

Future plans include working on greener packaging, the development of alternatives to agricultural fuel oil and inputs, and the energy efficiency of buildings. 

How much water would you like in your Bordeaux wine?

There have been numerous incidents of dodgy wines sold at auction in the past and now Vincent Lataste, the owner of Bordeaux wine company Sequoia, has been sentenced to a year in jail for multiple mislabelling offences.

A court in Bordeaux found his company “attempted deception on the substantial qualities of wines,” among other offences.

Lataste’s sentence constitutes the first of its kind for a prominent figure in the Bordeaux wine industry. His family has been making wine in Bordeaux since 1850, 

Sequoia, which has since been renamed (rather ironically) as Awesome, was fined €100,000, €50,000 of which was suspended, while he himself was fined €30,000 with €20,000 suspended.

He has, however, appealed to France’s highest court, local media reported.

The case, as reported in Le Monde newspaper, started when inspectors from the wine regulator, Institut national de l’origine et de la Qualité, carried out a “routine check” on wines sold by Sequoia, which is based in Cadillac, near Bordeaux.

The inspection showed levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) which were above the authorised limits, being 90 micrograms per litre over the 150 milligram per litre cap.

Sulphur dioxide is used in the winemaking process as an antioxidant and an antimicrobial additive that stops harmful bacteria, and kills yeasts that might spoil the wine.

After this finding, further tests were carried out and authorities found evidence of further fraud, including wines from different producers being mixed, water being added to wine and wine labels displaying the incorrect years (good years, of course, rather than poor vintages).

Back in 2016, another Bordeaux château owner, François-Marie Marret, was fined after he was found guilty of selling cheap wine as more expensive Bordeaux to a number of major supermarkets. 

Lataste was also found guilty of assisting in that crime and given an 18-month suspended sentence and a fine.