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WINE INDUSTRY NEWS

Archives

January 10, 2004
January 17, 2004
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January 30, 2004
February 7, 2004
February 14, 2004
February 21, 2004
February 28, 2004
March 6, 2004
March 13, 2003
March 20, 2003
March 27, 2004
April 17, 2004
April 24, 2004
May 1, 2004
May 8, 2004
May 15, 2004
May 22, 2004
May29,2004
June 6, 2004
June 12, 2004
June 19, 2004
June 26, 2004
July 3, 2004
July, 10, 2004
July 17, 2004
July 24, 2004
July 31, 2004
August 7, 2004
August 14, 2004
August 21, 2004
August 28, 2004
Sept 4, 2004
Sept 11, 2004
Sept 18, 2004
Sept 25, 2004
Oct 2, 2004
Oct 9, 2004
Oct 16, 2004
Oct 24, 2004
Oct 31, 2004
Nov 13, 2004 Headlines: week ending November 20, 2004

France

2002 bordeaux - the bargain vintage
One of the questions I am most frequently asked about wine is whether you get what you pay for. No, no and again no, is my answer.

Figaro publishes 20 ideas to save French wine
French newspaper Le Figaro has published a 20-step guide to getting France out of its current wine crisis.

Laurent-Perrier turnover jumps 27%
The Champagne producer Laurent-Perrier has seen its first half turnover jump 26.8% on last year to ¤88.67m (US$115.1m).

Cru Bourgeois classification to be reviewed
Seventy-six Bordeaux châteaux excluded from the 2003 cru bourgeois classification have had their declassification declared void.

Unions call for national strike over wine in France
The French wine industry may be the cause of industrial action throughout France once more.

French winemakers plan day of action
French winemakers are planning a national 'day of action' which will see them stage demonstrations across France on 8 December.

Beaujolais Nouveau bucks French export fall in US
Sales of Beaujolais Nouveau have bucked the general downward trend of French exports in the United States and the Far East while in the UK they continue to fall.

United States

Producers prepare for a rosé parade
First Zinfandel had its own trade group, with tremendous success; then the Rhone Rangers herded Syrah into supermarkets everywhere. Now a group of rosé producers is in the preliminary stages of forming a new organization - - Rosé
Avengers and Producers (RAP) -- which hopes to hold its first tasting event in San Francisco in spring 2005.

Mondavi to sell Arrowood
The Robert Mondavi Corp. is going ahead with the sale of its luxury Arrowood Vineyards and Winery even as it moves
forward on its merger agreement with spirits giant Constellation Brands.

Retail wine 'automat' lets customers dispense their own samples from machines
People with super-sensitive taste buds may be less likely to overindulge in alcohol, according to a new study.

Red wine has anti-bacterial impact, new study
Red wine has potent bacteria fighting properties, suggests new research from scientists in the US that examined the impact both red and white wines could have on a range of common food pathogens.

Robert Mondavi Corporation Recognizes Accounting Impact of Merger Agreement
NAPA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 15, 2004--The Robert Mondavi Corporation (Nasdaq:MOND) said today that its first quarter fiscal 2005 results have been revised to reflect the suspension of many of its previously announced restructuring initiatives as it seeks shareholder approval of a merger with Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ).

US: Spanish wine gaining market share in US
Spanish wine exports to the US grew by around 16% in the first seven months of this year, according to data from the US Department of Commerce. Exports from Italy and France only rose by 9% and 10% respectively in the same period, the data showed.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM Acquires The Winetasting Network
1-800-FLOWERS.COM (NASDAQ: FLWS), a leading multi-channel direct marketer of thoughtful gifts for all occasions, today announced that it has acquired The Winetasting Network(SM), a Napa Valley-based leader in distribution services for more than 100 of California's leading wineries and direct-to-consumer wine marketing through the Ambrosia Catalogue of Fine Wine and its websites (www.winetasting.com - and - www.ambrosiawine.com).

US wineries to challenge Australian dominance

Wine tasting movie tipped for Oscars
A Hollywood movie about a Californian wine-tasting trip has opened to rave reviews across America ? and UK critics are tipping it for the Oscars.

Australia

Grape growers feeling heat
WINE grape growers' preference for warm climates over cool is strengthening as profit differentials widen.

Anger over cheap fuel for wine offer
A Coles Myer promotion that offers customers heavily discounted petrol in return for buying a dozen bottles of wine has drawn the wrath of other retailers and consumer groups, with claims it is anti-competitive and irresponsible.

Wine label ban reversed
Australian wine producers may win back the right to label sparkling wine "champagne" after a win by Australia and the United States in the World Trade Organisation.

Vintners from 'Down Under' showcase specialty wine labels
Australia and New Zealand are clearly not satisfied with a single digit share of Taiwan's wine market, and eight vintners from the two countries are in Taipei this weekend to try and do something about it.

Wine Australia 2004
Wine Australia 2004, the "greatest wine show on the planet" (far be it from me to undertake hyperbole) is on in Sydney at Darling Harbour November 25-29.

NZ wine hit with gay community
Australia's gay community has been quick to embrace the newest pansy in town - a fruity little New Zealand number produced by winemakers Kim and Erica Crawford.

New Zealand

New Zealand Takes Lead in Screwcaps as Wine Closures
Leadership of the worldwide move to screwcaps as wine closures has passed to New Zealand following the 1st International Screwcap Symposium just completed in Marlborough’s main town, Blenheim where over 260 delegates from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, UK, France, Italy, USA, Chile, and India, agreed to a committee to establish an international organization dedicated to promoting and improving screwcap wine closures.

NZ celebrates Beaujolais
An Auckland wine importer and retailer is hoping to be the first in the world to begin an international wine celebration.

Leveraging off wine to market fine Kiwi cuisine
Tourism New Zealand has set up the first food and wine tourism network to market the country internationally as the perfect destination for the indulgent visitor. Network manager Craig Wilson said creation of the national organisation was driven by industry members who wanted to generate greater awareness of food and wine tourism experiences.

2004 Air New Zealand Wine Awards
For the fourth time in six years a Pinot Noir has secured the top spot at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. At last night's presentation dinner in Blenheim, Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Noir 2003 from Marlborough was awarded the Air New Zealand Champion Wine of the Show Trophy.

NZ Organic Wines Pesticide-free
New Zealand's organic wines showed no pesticide residues present in a recent survey carried out by the government body responsible for food regulation in New Zealand.

Awards Show Success Of Screwcaps
The Old World is starting to see the New Zealand way when it comes to screwcaps on wine. All but one of the 19 winning wines at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards in Blenheim at the weekend were sealed with screwcaps.

Food supplies the next target for terror groups
Food is set to become the next front in the war against terror, with ministers from 21 Asia-Pacific economies preparing a plan to prevent attacks on food supplies.

United Kingdom

UK: Another half of growth for Majestic
Majestic Wine has posted a rise in H1 turnover and profits. The UK wine business said today (15 November) that continuing sales growth had helped drive first half net profits up to £3.2m compared with £2.9m last year.

South Africa

South African wine industry best suited to premium wines, study shows
A new study into the international cost-competitiveness of the South African wine industry shows that the decision to focus more on the marketing of premium and luxury wines, is the right route to follow, says Su Birch, CEO of wines of South Africa (WOSA).

South Africa is world's sixth-largest wine manufacturer
Cape Town - South Africa was the world's sixth-largest wine maker, at 2.8 percent of global production and with gross output of wine-related firms estimated to be worth R14.6 billion a year, according to Western Cape agriculture MEC Cobus Dowry, who spoke yesterday at a viticultural conference at Kirstenbosch.

Portugal

Wine production set to rise in Portugal

Lebanon

Lebanon's Wine Industry, New Face for Country Once Known for War
Lebanon's Beka'a Valley was long known as a fertile region for drugs and terrorists. Today the eastern valley is a showcase for the country's thriving wine industry.

Argentinia

Argentine wines 'sneaking up'
CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- An October -- that is to say, springtime -- trip to Buenos Aires provided ample evidence that if Argentina is to emerge from its years of economic malaise, food, wine and design will be the recovery's forward guard.

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WINE INDUSTRY NEWS
Archives January 10, 2004 January 17, 2004 January 21, 2004 January 30, 2004 February 7, 2004 February 14, 2004 February 21, 2004 February 28, 2004 March 6, 2004 March 13, 2003 March 20, 2003 March 27, 2004 April 17, 2004 April 24, 2004 May 1, 2004 May 8, 2004 May 15, 2004 May 22, 2004 May29,2004 June 6, 2004 June 12, 2004 June 19, 2004 June 26, 2004 July 3, 2004 July, 10, 2004 July 17, 2004 July 24, 2004 July 31, 2004 August 7, 2004 August 14, 2004 August 21, 2004 August 28, 2004 Sept 4, 2004 Sept 11, 2004 Sept 18, 2004 Sept 25, 2004 Oct 2, 2004 Oct 9, 2004 Oct 16, 2004 Oct 24, 2004 Oct 31, 2004 Nov 13, 2004	Headlines: week ending November 20, 2004
	France 2002 bordeaux - the bargain vintage One of the questions I am most frequently asked about wine is whether you get what you pay for. No, no and again no, is my answer. Figaro publishes 20 ideas to save French wine French newspaper Le Figaro has published a 20-step guide to getting France out of its current wine crisis. Laurent-Perrier turnover jumps 27% The Champagne producer Laurent-Perrier has seen its first half turnover jump 26.8% on last year to ¤88.67m (US$115.1m). Cru Bourgeois classification to be reviewed Seventy-six Bordeaux châteaux excluded from the 2003 cru bourgeois classification have had their declassification declared void. Unions call for national strike over wine in France The French wine industry may be the cause of industrial action throughout France once more. French winemakers plan day of action French winemakers are planning a national 'day of action' which will see them stage demonstrations across France on 8 December. Beaujolais Nouveau bucks French export fall in US Sales of Beaujolais Nouveau have bucked the general downward trend of French exports in the United States and the Far East while in the UK they continue to fall. United States Producers prepare for a rosé parade First Zinfandel had its own trade group, with tremendous success; then the Rhone Rangers herded Syrah into supermarkets everywhere. Now a group of rosé producers is in the preliminary stages of forming a new organization - - Rosé Avengers and Producers (RAP) -- which hopes to hold its first tasting event in San Francisco in spring 2005. Mondavi to sell Arrowood The Robert Mondavi Corp. is going ahead with the sale of its luxury Arrowood Vineyards and Winery even as it moves forward on its merger agreement with spirits giant Constellation Brands. Retail wine 'automat' lets customers dispense their own samples from machines People with super-sensitive taste buds may be less likely to overindulge in alcohol, according to a new study. Red wine has anti-bacterial impact, new study Red wine has potent bacteria fighting properties, suggests new research from scientists in the US that examined the impact both red and white wines could have on a range of common food pathogens. Robert Mondavi Corporation Recognizes Accounting Impact of Merger Agreement NAPA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 15, 2004--The Robert Mondavi Corporation (Nasdaq:MOND) said today that its first quarter fiscal 2005 results have been revised to reflect the suspension of many of its previously announced restructuring initiatives as it seeks shareholder approval of a merger with Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ). US: Spanish wine gaining market share in US Spanish wine exports to the US grew by around 16% in the first seven months of this year, according to data from the US Department of Commerce. Exports from Italy and France only rose by 9% and 10% respectively in the same period, the data showed. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM Acquires The Winetasting Network 1-800-FLOWERS.COM (NASDAQ: FLWS), a leading multi-channel direct marketer of thoughtful gifts for all occasions, today announced that it has acquired The Winetasting Network(SM), a Napa Valley-based leader in distribution services for more than 100 of California's leading wineries and direct-to-consumer wine marketing through the Ambrosia Catalogue of Fine Wine and its websites (www.winetasting.com - and - www.ambrosiawine.com). US wineries to challenge Australian dominance Wine tasting movie tipped for Oscars A Hollywood movie about a Californian wine-tasting trip has opened to rave reviews across America ? and UK critics are tipping it for the Oscars. Australia Grape growers feeling heat WINE grape growers' preference for warm climates over cool is strengthening as profit differentials widen. Anger over cheap fuel for wine offer A Coles Myer promotion that offers customers heavily discounted petrol in return for buying a dozen bottles of wine has drawn the wrath of other retailers and consumer groups, with claims it is anti-competitive and irresponsible. Wine label ban reversed Australian wine producers may win back the right to label sparkling wine "champagne" after a win by Australia and the United States in the World Trade Organisation. Vintners from 'Down Under' showcase specialty wine labels Australia and New Zealand are clearly not satisfied with a single digit share of Taiwan's wine market, and eight vintners from the two countries are in Taipei this weekend to try and do something about it. Wine Australia 2004 Wine Australia 2004, the "greatest wine show on the planet" (far be it from me to undertake hyperbole) is on in Sydney at Darling Harbour November 25-29. NZ wine hit with gay community Australia's gay community has been quick to embrace the newest pansy in town - a fruity little New Zealand number produced by winemakers Kim and Erica Crawford. New Zealand New Zealand Takes Lead in Screwcaps as Wine Closures Leadership of the worldwide move to screwcaps as wine closures has passed to New Zealand following the 1st International Screwcap Symposium just completed in Marlborough’s main town, Blenheim where over 260 delegates from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, UK, France, Italy, USA, Chile, and India, agreed to a committee to establish an international organization dedicated to promoting and improving screwcap wine closures. NZ celebrates Beaujolais An Auckland wine importer and retailer is hoping to be the first in the world to begin an international wine celebration. Leveraging off wine to market fine Kiwi cuisine Tourism New Zealand has set up the first food and wine tourism network to market the country internationally as the perfect destination for the indulgent visitor. Network manager Craig Wilson said creation of the national organisation was driven by industry members who wanted to generate greater awareness of food and wine tourism experiences. 2004 Air New Zealand Wine Awards For the fourth time in six years a Pinot Noir has secured the top spot at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. At last night's presentation dinner in Blenheim, Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Noir 2003 from Marlborough was awarded the Air New Zealand Champion Wine of the Show Trophy. NZ Organic Wines Pesticide-free New Zealand's organic wines showed no pesticide residues present in a recent survey carried out by the government body responsible for food regulation in New Zealand. Awards Show Success Of Screwcaps The Old World is starting to see the New Zealand way when it comes to screwcaps on wine. All but one of the 19 winning wines at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards in Blenheim at the weekend were sealed with screwcaps. Food supplies the next target for terror groups Food is set to become the next front in the war against terror, with ministers from 21 Asia-Pacific economies preparing a plan to prevent attacks on food supplies. United Kingdom UK: Another half of growth for Majestic Majestic Wine has posted a rise in H1 turnover and profits. The UK wine business said today (15 November) that continuing sales growth had helped drive first half net profits up to £3.2m compared with £2.9m last year. South Africa South African wine industry best suited to premium wines, study shows A new study into the international cost-competitiveness of the South African wine industry shows that the decision to focus more on the marketing of premium and luxury wines, is the right route to follow, says Su Birch, CEO of wines of South Africa (WOSA). South Africa is world's sixth-largest wine manufacturer Cape Town - South Africa was the world's sixth-largest wine maker, at 2.8 percent of global production and with gross output of wine-related firms estimated to be worth R14.6 billion a year, according to Western Cape agriculture MEC Cobus Dowry, who spoke yesterday at a viticultural conference at Kirstenbosch. Portugal Wine production set to rise in Portugal Lebanon Lebanon's Wine Industry, New Face for Country Once Known for War Lebanon's Beka'a Valley was long known as a fertile region for drugs and terrorists. Today the eastern valley is a showcase for the country's thriving wine industry. Argentinia Argentine wines 'sneaking up' CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- An October -- that is to say, springtime -- trip to Buenos Aires provided ample evidence that if Argentina is to emerge from its years of economic malaise, food, wine and design will be the recovery's forward guard.