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⛓️‍💥 When Wine Fights Back

In this week’s DECORKED digest, we revisit wine’s rebellious roots in 1907, explore white wine’s quiet comeback, track China’s direct-to-consumer push, and check in on how U.S. wineries are winning back visitors.

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Happy Monday! We hope you have a great week ahead. In this week’s DECORKED digest, we revisit wine’s rebellious roots in 1907, explore white wine’s quiet comeback, track China’s direct-to-consumer push, and check in on how U.S. wineries are winning back visitors. Keep reading!

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Read the most important and interesting news this week.

 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia rejects foreign media reports on alcohol sales READ HERE

🌶️ Should you be putting jalapeños in your Sauvignon Blanc? READ HERE

🎾 Rafael Nadal signs off with Burgundy and Sherry READ HERE

🍷 WHO’s wine tax push misses the real problem READ HERE

🔎 Why canned wine is no longer just a trend READ HERE

🍷 How wineries can avoid bottling mistakes READ HERE

📉 Wine inventory tightens across the US READ HERE

Collection of partnerships and collaborations.

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We curate, filter, and select only the most exciting and important news for you.

WINE LESSONS FROM 1907

In 1907, French winegrowers in the Languedoc rose up against economic collapse, government neglect, and market corruption in what became one of the most powerful examples of wine as protest. Facing fake wines and falling prices, they built cooperatives, organized massive protests, and ultimately forced regulatory change that defined wine’s legal purity. Today, as the global wine industry battles oversupply, eroding demand, and mounting pressure from anti-alcohol sentiment, can we argue that the spirit of collective action is more relevant than ever? Because wine is not just a product. It’s a symbol of resistance, identity, and community.

WHITE WINE’S COMEBACK TOUR

After years of chasing experimental natural wines and acidic orange blends, a growing number of drinkers are embracing the familiar pleasures of white wine - crisp, cold, and comfortingly basic. From buttery chardonnay to easy-drinking pinot grigio, white is trending across demographics, especially among younger consumers seeking simplicity, nostalgia, and low-effort luxury. The shift signals a broader cultural retreat from pretense and chaos toward something cleaner, cooler, and easier to swallow.

TRUMP EXTENDS EU TARIFF DEADLINE

President Trump has extended the deadline for the European Union to negotiate a deal that would avert steep U.S. tariffs, pushing the date from early June to July 9. The move followed a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who expressed optimism about accelerating talks. Without a deal, tariffs on EU goods are set to rise from 10% to 20%. While both sides voice readiness to negotiate, tensions remain high amid warnings from EU officials that future trade must be built on respect, not threats. 

CHINA’S WINEMAKERS GO DIRECT

As traditional marketing loses traction, Chinese wine producers are adopting targeted, consumer-facing strategies to build awareness and loyalty. From vine adoption programs and curated tasting kits to presence at cross-category events like whiskey festivals, wineries are bypassing conventional trade routes to put wine directly into consumers’ hands. With initiatives like Loong’s Toast and region-wide sampling campaigns, the industry is testing scalable and relationship-driven models to reach new audiences across China and beyond.

HOW ENGLAND IS EMERGING AS A SOURCE OF FINE WHITE WINE

England is emerging as a serious player in the fine white wine category, thanks to focused efforts from top-tier producers and ideal growing conditions in regions like Essex’s Crouch Valley. A standout example is the debut of Marbury Chardonnay, crafted by winemaker Charlie Holland for Jackson Family Wines. With its bright acidity, restrained oak, and textured depth, the wine signals a shift in perceptions, positioning English still whites not just as novelties, but as contenders alongside the world’s best.

THE 360° APPROACH OF SUSTAINABILITY IN VITICULTURE

​Sustainable viticulture is evolving into a comprehensive framework that goes far beyond organic farming. Across North America, regional certification programs emphasize a 360° approach that includes not only environmental practices but also social responsibility, economic viability, and community engagement. Industry leaders are adopting this holistic model to future-proof their vineyards against climate change and market volatility. By prioritizing soil health, worker welfare, and regional collaboration, these programs are redefining what it means to grow wine responsibly in the 21st century.

WINNING BACK THE AMERICAN WINE TOURIST

Across the U.S., winery visitation is down, tasting rooms are closing, and DTC sales are under pressure. Soaring costs, shifting demographics, and changing consumer habits are reshaping the wine tourism model. In response, producers are rethinking everything from tasting fees and wine clubs to immersive experiences and multilingual offerings. Some are focusing on partnerships and referrals; others are experimenting with subscription models and more casual, inclusive hospitality. While the path to recovery may be slow, the message is clear: adaptability, authenticity, and connection will be critical to sustaining wine country’s future.

Discover wine events worldwide.

🥂 The Wine Circuit (June 6 - 8, London, UK) - LEARN MORE

🥂 Yerevan Wine Days (June 6 - 8, Yerevan, Armenia) - LEARN MORE

🥂 RAW WINE (June 8, Copenhagen, Denmark) - LEARN MORE

🥂 Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (June 7, New York, US) -  LEARN MORE

🥂 Wine&Gourmet Festival (June 13 - 15, Baden Baden, Germany) - LEARN MORE

🥂 Bordeaux Wine Festival (June 19 - 22, Bordeaux, France) - LEARN MORE

🥂 Food&Wine Classic (June 20 - 22, Aspen, US) - LEARN MORE

Learn something new every week.

Copyright @ SevenFiftyDaily

WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: RIVERA, URUGUAY

Rivera, a hilly region in northeastern Uruguay, is home to the country’s highest vineyard at 215 meters and its sole viticultural hub, Cerro Chapeu. Nestled near the Brazilian border, the area features red sandy soils and a dry, sunny climate ideal for Tannat, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Its only commercial winery, Bodegas Carrau, has deep Spanish roots and aims to elevate Uruguayan Tannat to global recognition alongside South America’s flagship varietals.

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GRAPE OF THE WEEK: ARINARNOA

Arinarnoa is a dark-berried wine grape variety, bred in 1956 in Bordeaux and initially presented as a crossing of two Bordeaux grape varieties; Merlot and Petit Verdot. However, more recent DNA research has revealed it to be a crossing of the Pyrenean grape variety Tannat with Cabernet Sauvignon.

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