Wine News

Despite the wind down to x-mas, there is no shortage of news from the wine industry.

The World Wildlife Fund reports that they expect three-quarters of the world's cork forests to be lost over the next decade if the move to screwcaps and synthetic corks continues at the same pace.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the effects of the global financial crisis are now being seen on sales of high end wines.

In California, allocations of coveted Napa Cabernets that were once miniscule have doubled and tripled, whilst prices for First Growths from the lauded 2005 Bordeaux vintage have in some cases halved. Consumers are trading down, leaving the top end exposed and in need of sustenance.

The Evening Standard in London reports that for the first time ever, 2008 saw sales of US wines overtake French in the UK. This move came on the back of dramatic increases in sales of Californian rose', up 17% for the year.

Australia still leads all comers in the UK with a 23% market share, whilst South Africa has seen its market share increase by 25% over the year as the rand showed great weakness against the pound.

Finally, more bad news for growers in Australia, as that countries biggest player announced further cuts in its grape price contracts.


Click here to go to Dombeya Wines website.