Text by: SW Team
New wine alliance is on its way; 200% of tax on European wines; The oldest named wine in the world is back; Vinitaly 2025 is all set up; The renaissance of wine market is coming
New wine alliance is on its way
Nine regions from around the globe have decided to team up and make something bigger: the Global Artisan Vintners Alliance (GAVA). Think of it like the Avengers, but instead of superheroes, it’s small-scale winemakers coming together to share knowledge, solve problems, and support each other across borders.
The alliance includes winemakers from Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, France, Hungary, Mexico, Portugal, and the United States. Leading the charge is David Haubert, a local official from Alameda County, California, home to the Livermore Valley – a region he calls “the darling” of the area’s industries. His goal is to create a network where these artisans can share tips, tricks, and strategies on everything from growing grapes to promoting their wines online.
These are the Global AVA’s founding wine regions:
– Livermore Valley Wine Community, California
– Texas Hill Country Wineries, Texas
– Chilecito, Argentina
– Dalmatia, Croatia
– Chinon, France
– Alentejo, Portugal
– Vale dos Vinhedos, Brazil
– Badacsony, Hungary
– Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
The group plans to meet online four times a year, discussing topics like wine tourism, marketing, and sustainability. But once a year, they’ll meet in person – starting this June in California, and rotating locations in future years to each of the nine regions.
In short, GAVA isn’t just about wine – it’s about people who love what they do, learning from one another and lifting each other up. It’s community, collaboration, and creativity – served with a glass of something good. 🍷
200% of tax on European wines
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on alcohol imported from the European Union (EU). This is the latest move in an ongoing trade dispute between the two sides. The threat comes as a response to the EU’s plan to introduce a 50% tax on U.S. made whiskey. That tax is part of the EU's reaction to earlier U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
President Trump called on the EU to remove what he described as an unfair tariff on U.S. whiskey, saying the EU has been "hostile and abusive" in its trade practices toward the United States. A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed that discussions are being arranged between U.S. and EU officials. Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has already contacted his American counterparts to begin talks.
Photo: Shutterstock.com/Rokas Tenys
This dispute adds to growing concerns about the broader impact of trade tensions, which have already affected global financial markets and could influence jobs and prices in several countries, including the U.S.
According to the Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins, the U.S. is the largest export market for European wine, importing over €4.5 billion worth each year. Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, secretary-general of the organization, warned that such high tariffs could seriously damage the market and result in significant job losses. He urged both sides to keep wine and other alcoholic beverages out of the trade dispute.
The oldest named wine in the world is back
In the sun-drenched hills of Cyprus, a band of passionate micro-wineries is breathing new life into Commandaria, the world's oldest named wine. With a lineage stretching back nearly 3,000 years, this storied sweet wine once graced the tables of ancient Greek poets and medieval kings. Today, it's poised for a renaissance, thanks to the dedication of small-scale vintners committed to reviving its legendary status.
Commandaria's rich tapestry is woven with tales of grandeur. It's believed to have clinched victory in the world's first recorded wine competition under France's King Philippe Augustus and was the toast of King Richard the Lionheart's wedding in 1191. Such illustrious history, however, hasn't shielded it from modern challenges. Global markets have been elusive, and recent geopolitical tensions have further strained its reach.
The allure of Commandaria lies in its complex symphony of flavors–notes of honey, raisin, walnut, fig, and a medley of spices dance on the palate. This depth is attributed to Cyprus's volcanic soils and the traditional sun-drying of indigenous Mavro and Xynisteri grapes before fermentation. Aging in oak barrels for a minimum of two years under strict regulations ensures each bottle embodies its rich heritage.
Vinitaly 2025 is all set up
In the heart of Verona the stage is set for Vinitaly 2025. From April 6th to 9th, this well-known event will gather 4,000 wine producers and a legion of enthusiasts from 140 nations, all converging to celebrate and strategize the future of Italian wine.
Top of the agenda: the intricate dance between wine and health, especially as new labeling laws prepare to waltz onto the scene. The hope is to inform consumers without instilling undue fear. Enter EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhely, ready to uncork this discussion.
Beyond the conference halls, Vinitaly is rolling out the red carpet for 30,000 international buyers, including a robust contingent from the U.S. It's a testament to the event's magnetic pull and a toast to Italian wine's global allure.
But there's more fermenting in Vinitaly's barrel. The spotlight is turning to wine tourism, a realm where Italy reigns supreme yet still has untapped potential. By intertwining the nation's rich tapestry of art, history, and viticulture, the aim is to offer experiences as intoxicating as the wines themselves.
The renaissance of wine market is coming
Wine Market Could See a Turnaround by 2026, Says Study by Bordeaux and Verona Universities. A brighter outlook may be on the horizon for the global wine trade, according to a new joint study conducted by the University of Bordeaux and the University of Verona. Using major Italian producer Masi as a case study, researchers believe that wine consumption could rebound as early as next year, with stronger growth potentially arriving by 2027.
Professor Jean-Marie Cardebat from the University of Bordeaux presented the findings this week in Milan, alongside Davide Gaeta, professor of wine business economics at the University of Verona. The study, titled “Resilience and preparation for the next cycle of global wine consumption. Masi: an original case study,” explores how the sector might recover from recent economic slowdowns.
“The cyclical nature of the economy has always impacted global consumption,” Cardebat explained. “While current geopolitical and financial pressures have led to a downturn, history suggests that if inflation is brought under control, 2026 could mark a turning point.”
Looking further ahead, Cardebat suggested 2027 could usher in “a recovery phase for new, sustained growth.” Still, he cautioned against expecting a return to the pre-crisis status quo. “This won’t be a simple repeat of the past,” he said. “Consumer behavior has changed. The next growth cycle will be shaped by new trends and a different type of wine drinker.”
Cardebat also highlighted the ongoing trend of premiumization – the growing focus on quality over quantity. “There’s increasing demand for high-value wines,” he noted, adding that this makes early investment critical. “Building strong brands and enhancing the wine experience – including wine tourism, which has grown significantly over the past 15 years – will be key to riding the next wave of growth.”
