Arriving at Maygar’s Hill Winery and Vineyard in Longwood East, owner/operator and viticulturist Jenny Houghton is nowhere to be seen. After popping into the gorgeous brick cellar door, nestled among 2.43ha of cabernet and shiraz vines, there is still no sign of Ms Houghton. However, wandering up the gravel path toward the winery’s cottage that overlooks the property, Ms Houghton can be seen working vigorously in the garden, tearing out weeds and turning on sprinklers. A formidable woman, Ms Houghton works harder than most to run the boutique winery and bed and breakfast, even pruning her vines each season all on her own.

The appointment follows a competitive review with creative and strategic work covering a range of brands including JACOB’S CREEK. Digital work is also a key element of the remit covering JACOB’S CREEK and a number of other global wine brands. “We are pleased to appoint the team at AnalogFolk as global brand building partner for JACOB’S CREEK. Matt leads a strong team, and as much as we value their creative, strategic and digital capabilities, we also believe in the importance of a strong cultural fit with the Pernod Ricard business and our marketing team,” said Derek Oliver, Global Marketing Director, JACOB’S CREEK.

The vinous international spotlight will be on New Zealand’s capital this week with the Pinot Noir NZ 2017 celebration, described as the best Pinot Noir event on the planet. 600 of the most influential wine writers, industry experts and imbibers from twenty countries will congregate on the Wellington waterfront on Tuesday for three days packed full of inspirational speakers, tastings and an overall submergence in New Zealand’s most compelling red grape variety – Pinot Noir. Actor and winery owner Sam Neill will be there; “It’s wonderful to be back in Wellington for Pinot Noir NZ 2017 – a must for New Zealand’s wine industry and anyone involved in producing, selling or writing about Pinot Noir.”

The vinous international spotlight will be on New Zealand’s capital this week with the Pinot Noir NZ 2017 celebration, described as the best Pinot Noir event on the planet. 600 of the most influential wine writers, industry experts and imbibers from twenty countries will congregate on the Wellington waterfront on Tuesday for three days packed full of inspirational speakers, tastings and an overall submergence in New Zealand’s most compelling red grape variety – Pinot Noir. Actor and winery owner Sam Neill will be there; “It’s wonderful to be back in Wellington for Pinot Noir NZ 2017 – a must for New Zealand’s wine industry and anyone involved in producing, selling or writing about Pinot Noir.”

The United States is shaping up as an increasingly attractive market for wine exporters, barring any major adverse trading changes under President Donald Trump’s Administration. Rabobank’s latest wine quarterly report showed US wine imports continued to grow in 2016, rising 2% by value and 3% by volume. Italy remained the largest source of imports but growth was being driven by sparkling wines which were up 20% for the first eight months of the year compared to the previous corresponding period.

The United States is shaping up as an increasingly attractive market for wine exporters, barring any major adverse trading changes under President Donald Trump’s Administration. Rabobank’s latest wine quarterly report showed US wine imports continued to grow in 2016, rising 2% by value and 3% by volume. Italy remained the largest source of imports but growth was being driven by sparkling wines which were up 20% for the first eight months of the year compared to the previous corresponding period.

Yalumba has decided not to pursue an appeal to the Full Bench of the Federal Court after losing a Trade Mark decision late in 2016. Today (January 27) was the final day for an appeal to be lodged. Yalumba lost a Federal Court trademark case it hoped would prevent Jacob’s Creek from using the word ‘signature’ to describe a range of Barossa wines. The case was dismissed on December 14, 2016, but in making the determination Judge Natalie Charlesworth acknowledged Yalumba’s rights in its Trade Mark for “The Signature” and found Trade Mark usage by Pernod Ricard.

Value sales are up by an impressive 40% in mainland Chine, while year on year volume sales are up even further – by 45%. While the UK remains Australia’s number on market by volume sales, it is no longer top for value sales, having been overtaken by China. However, exports to the UK suffered their biggest hit at the bulk end of the market, while premium wine sales enjoyed growth. Australian wine exports to the UK at AU$10/litre and above grew by 25% to $28 million, while exports below $5/litre dipped by 10% to 287 million.

Continuing an expansion that has lasted more than 20 years, U.S. wine shipments grew 2.8 percent in volume last year even as competition increased from cheaper-priced imports, according to industry figures released Wednesday. Revenue from domestic wine sales jumped 4 percent last year as Americans continued to trade up for higher-priced wines, according to data published by BW 166, a Santa Rosa consulting firm. The price for the average bottle of wine sold in the U.S. surpassed $10 for the first time, a reflection of consumers’ willingness to pay more for better wines.

A quick glance around at London’s very well attended Australia Day Tasting on Tuesday (January 24) showed that very few producers were without Italian and Spanish varieties such as Tempranillo, Fiano and Vermentino – one of Austria’s fastest growing grapes. While these Italian and Spanish varieties (along with Prosecco, Durif, Malbec, Montepulciano, Tempranillo among others) make up less than 1% of Oz’s total vineyard area, it is clear that their collective influence continues to far exceed this percentage when it comes to appearances on shelves and Australian wine lists.