Insights

South Africa’s image problem

Recent critical reaction to the new wave of South African wines has been extremely positive. Leslie Gevirtz visits Cape Wine 2015 to find out more about what’s happening.

Why are we all here?

Column - Robert Joseph

Perspectives - Seattle

Seattle, in the state of Washington, is the fastest-growing city in the US. Situated close to the Canadian border, the city has become a magnet for startups, particularly in areas like software, biotechnology and the Internet. A thriving arts scene has sprung up alongside these new industries, making the city a magnet for young, urban professionals. Given its excellent food and craft beer culture, it’s no surprise that wine is also flourishing here. Scott Saunders interviewed four notable professionals for their take on what’s happening in Seattle’s wine scene.

Total keeps expanding

The US retailer Total Wine & More has been sued every which way. But regardless of the obstacles, it continues to grow. Jeff Siegel reports.

Light and shade

Wineries are beginning to take advantage of solar energy, to do more than power their wineries. Leslie Gevirtz reports on solar arrays that can help protect vines.

Polish market in flux

The Polish wine market could face a challenge if alcohol-related legislation is stiffened - as proposed by one key agency. Wojciech Bońkowski reports.

The 4% dilemma

Column - Robert Joseph 

Insiders explain Chicago's Wine Market

Chicago’s world-renowned culinary landscape has been altered by innovative chefs who have highlighted regional specificity, sustainability and the craft movement, and the city’s wine professionals are eating it up. It’s a wine scene that requires practitioners to balance classics with the undiscovered, remaining alert to culinary and consumer trends and bringing the passion and creativity to present it all in fresh and intelligent ways. Chicagoans are lucky to have an abundance of such wine professionals. Scott Saunders speaks with five of them.

A grape dispute

Vinistra, the body representing winegrowers in Istria, turns 20 this year. An unusually effective wine body, it’s come up against an unexpected problem – a name that two sides want to claim as their own. Caroline Gilby MW reports.

A snapshot of the US consumer

Recent research by the Wine Market Council, a non-profit wine industry association, in conjunction with Wine Opinions, has created a demographic profile of the US market. Larry Walker reports.

Marriage of opposites

Bricks and mortar retailer Majestic Wine has acquired digital business Naked Wines, in a move that could see both businesses become much stronger. And yet, reports Richard Woodard, the issue of profitability hasn’t gone away.

Alarm bells on climate change

Australia is already bearing the brunt of climate change, reports Jeni Port. In response, the Australian Wine Research Institute and other bodies have been developing new tools for wine producers.

The value of communication

Column - Robert Joseph