Wine News Roundup: Highlights from the Week of September 14, 2025

Hello and welcome to the latest roundup of notable wine stories from the web. Here are the highlights for this week:

• Historic Sparkling Wine Win: For the first time, a sparkling wine from outside of Champagne has secured a prestigious award, making headlines and highlighting the emergence of Nyetimber as a contender in the sparkling wine arena. Read more here.

• Profile of Mark Haisma: An insightful interview with renowned winemaker Mark Haisma, showcasing his unique approach and the wines you never knew you needed. Explore the interview.

• Tribute to Patrick McGovern: The wine community mourns the loss of Patrick McGovern, a pioneering researcher known as the “Indiana Jones of Ancient Alcohol.” His contributions have shaped our understanding of the history of wine. Learn about his legacy.

• Understanding Mousiness in Wine: This article delves into the phenomenon of mousiness, answering the questions surrounding it and potentially revealing the most unappealing tasting note in wine history. Read the analysis.

• Wine and Crop Thinning: Investigating whether crop thinning in vineyards truly leads to enhanced wine quality, this article provides insights and data on the matter. Find out more.

• Exploring Wine Industry Challenges: This piece discusses the challenges faced by the wine industry today and proposes potential solutions, though the practicality of these solutions is debated. Discover the details.

• Trends in South Africa’s Swartland Region: A look at what’s trending in the Swartland wine region, renowned for its vibrant and innovative winemaking. Catch up on the news.

• Impact of Chinese Wine on Imports: A wine app founder shares thoughts on how the rise of Chinese wine is positively affecting imported wine markets. Read the perspective.

• French Wine Output Declines: Due to uncharacteristically hot and dry weather, French wine production is expected to fall below the five-year average, a concerning trend for producers. More information here.

• Family-Friendly Wineries: A conversation about whether children should be welcomed at wineries, promoting a more inclusive wine-tasting experience. Join the discussion.

• Comfort Wines During Tough Times: Trends show a shift towards comfort wines in response to socioeconomic challenges, demonstrating changing consumer preferences. Read more.

• California Winery Regulation Changes: With the passage of AB 720, California wineries can now offer more comprehensive visitor experiences, despite local planning commissions’ resistance. Get the full story.

• Tariffs and Their Impact on French Wineries: Following the implementation of U.S. tariffs, French wineries are strategizing their survival amidst rising costs. Find out how they are adapting.

• Tasmania’s Wine Potential: Tasmania’s vineyards might soon see significant enhancements, with speculation about new developments in their wine production capabilities. Learn about the possibilities.

• Federal Drinking Report Scrapped: A withdrawn federal report on drinking trends has sparked various reactions within the community. Read about the implications.

• Wineries in Lodi District: Proposed fee assessments for wineries in the Lodi district have made progress, potentially setting a precedent for local regulatory approaches. Explore the details.

• Influencers and Advertising Regulations: Examining the regulations that affect social media influencers who promote alcoholic beverages, raising questions about compliance. Discover the requirements.

• DTC Bottle Pricing Surges: The average price for direct-to-consumer wine bottles has increased to $52, raising concerns about affordability and market access. Understand the market trends.

Stay informed with the latest developments in the wine world, and feel free to explore these articles for a deeper dive into each story.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!