Rising fuel prices compound market hesitancy The sluggishness of activity on the bulk wine market globally since the turn of the year continued through March into early April, with hesitancy compounded by a rise in fuel prices – by approximately 30%+ in most countries – as a consequence of the conflict in the Middle East. Prices spiked amid the Southern Hemisphere harvests, directly impacting the picking of at least one: this month’s report provides the latest insights from the vineyards. As this month’s California page states, the Iran war is likely to compound some pre-existing consumer pessimism, “with upward pressure on fuel costs exacerbating the reduced spending power consumers have possessed since the 2021-23 post-pandemic inflation spike. Unlike in previous eras when there has been economic misfortune, consumers are pessimistic about the long term – not just the short or medium term – and could curb spending accordingly”. Not wha

Recent-vintage stocks growing tighter The 2026 harvests in the Southern Hemisphere are in full swing – a number are ahead of a typical schedule, in fact – and this month’s Global Market Report provides the latest on conditions, grape quality, and crop-size expectations. With one exception, the bulk markets of the world have been quiet over the past month. The introduction to our March 2025 report applies again 12 months on: “The bulk market can be characterised as slow and steady since mid-February, with the Southern Hemisphere focused on harvest and demand in the Northern Hemisphere dampened by flat or declining retail sales and, in Spain, some elevated pricing.” Wary buyers are waiting to see how the harvests affect availability and pricing before committing, perhaps using the intervening time to take the industry pulse at shows like Wine Paris (growing in prominence; we review its recent instalment here) and ProWein, and generally try to gain a read on

Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential micronutrient for yeast metabolism. The thiamine content typically found in grapes ranges from 80 µg/L to 1.2 mg/L. Although most yeasts, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, can synthesise thiamine, they prefer to absorb it from grape must. This preference conserves energy, which can be used for cell growth and the production of vital fermentation metabolites. In fact, yeasts can absorb all available thiamine in the must within the first six hours after inoculation. A thiamine deficiency in the must can have practical consequences, such as sluggish or stuck fermentations and an altered aromatic balance. Thiamine’s role in yeast metabolism and fermentation Thiamine and its biologically active forms serve as cofactors in central carbon metabolism (sugar breakdown). Without thiamine, several enzymes cannot function, risking incomplete fermentation. Thiamine also exhibits antioxidant activity, protecting yeasts from free-rad

2025 reviewed; 2026 opportunities set out This month’s Global Market Report reviews the bulk wine and grape markets of 2025 and sets out, country by country, the opportunities – and the potential pitfalls – that 2026 brings. Will this be the year that wine consumption in Europe and North America finally stabilises, so the wine industry can turn its attention from rationalisation to growth? We asked the same question a year ago of 2025 and, ultimately, the answer was a firm ‘no’. The “vibecession” that characterised 2024 – a disconnect between reasonably stable economic indicators and consumer perceptions of the economy – continued into 2025, exacerbated by political volatility around the world. Earnings increases have continued to lag the 2021-23 inflation spike induced by the pandemic, and some more localised inflation since, shortening the shopping list of grocery items consumers consider necessities and extending the list of ite

With the completion of harvest, Western Square is rolling out our annual Winter Savings Program. This is a great opportunity to sustainably recycle out your cellar of old barrel racks and upgrade to new ones for the 2025/2026 season. From December 1st, 2025- February 28, 2026, Western Square will be offering our customers the opportunity to trade in old racks for new ones and take advantage of special pricing.  $30 off per rack Stainless Steel two barrel rack $20 off per rack for Powder Coated two barrel rack. Free pick up, with the removal of old racks and delivery of new ones. Special rack pricing still valid regardless of recycling back old racks. We are excited to work with you to refresh your warehouse, please reach out to your Western Square Representative with any questions, or to get your order started today. Email us to upgrade your racks. 

Domaine Della 2023 Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir Takes Top Prize  November 18, 2025 — Winners have been announced in the 2025 Harvest Challenge Wine Competition. After two spirited days of judging, Domaine Della 2023 Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir took the top prize. It was also awarded Best of Show Red Wine and Best of Monterey County AVA. Coming in at 98 points, judges praised the wine as “warm and spicy” with “fig and nutmeg.” Other descriptors included “meaty,” “prosciutto,” and “dried rose petal.”  With entries from across the globe, the Harvest Challenge bases judging on a group of vineyards (or even vines) from the same region, belonging to a specific appellation and sharing the same type of soil, weather conditions and grapes that combine to give personality to the wine.  In other competitions, this terroir is ignored. At the Harvest Challen

Picturesque Vineyard Estate in Dry Creek Valley for Sale Imagine owning a vineyard estate framed by rolling hills and sun‑soaked vines in Dry Creek Valley—now available for acquisition. This turnkey property offers an ideal blend of scenic beauty, premium appellation value, and ready‑to‑go infrastructure—positioning you for launch or expansion with minimal delay. With harvest winding down, this is the perfect moment to act, securing your estate before the new vintage begins and the market shifts. Explore the listing now to stake your claim in one of Sonoma County’s most prestigious wine regions. View Listing Explore by Category Grapes Bulk Wine Shiners Production Vineyard Real Estate Services Have wine industry goods or services to sell? Post on the WIN Marketplace and reach thousands of wine industry professionals looking for what you offer. Use promo code WINTER2025 to get 100% off your next listing. Grapes Award Winning Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes for Sale

Savour Quality from Europe: Tuscany’s Wine and Olive Oil Icons Find New Fans in Canada October 2025 [Vancouver, BC] Canadians are falling in love with the real taste of Tuscany as testimonial of the European quality. This year, two of the most respected European producer groups, the Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the Associazione Produttori Olivicoli Toscani (APOT), are sharing their story through the European Union–funded campaign Savor Quality from Europe. The campaign celebrates craftsmanship, authenticity, and sustainability by connecting Canadians with the winemakers and olive growers who represent the heart of European culture. Why Canada’s Falling for European Products Canada is becoming one of the most exciting destinations for premium European food and wine. Consumers here want products that tell a story: where they come from, who makes them, and why they matter. The Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and APOT see that as a perfect match for