Sid Patel’s Post

The Increasingly Important Role of Data and Analytics in the Wine Industry Data and analytics have revolutionized industries worldwide, and the wine sector is no exception. The growing availability of data from various sources, combined with the advancements in data analysis techniques, is transforming the way vineyards are managed, wines are produced, and consumer preferences are understood. In this article, we will explore the increasingly important role of data and analytics in the wine industry and discuss how they are shaping the future of viticulture and winemaking. https://lnkd.in/eBbpD4_s #wine #winelover #vino #winetasting #winetime #winelovers #wineguide #wineclub #food #instawine #redwine #winestagram #winery #wineoclock #winelife #whitewine #drinks #foodie #drink

Turning wine grapes destined to rot on the ground into value-added products is the focus of a new research project led by Dr Amanda Dupas de Matos, Consumer Sensory Researcher in the FEASTMassey Food Experience and Sensory Tasting laboratory. The project is aimed at helping winemakers reduce the amount of grapes going to waste. Vineyards sometimes thin around 10-20 per cent of their grapes during summer to balance the fruit on vines and improve the quality of the remaining grapes. These ‘green grapes’ are not fully mature and once on the ground are left to rot. Using existing winemaking and bottling facilities before the main harvest, the thinned grapes can be collected and processed into juice, or verjuice as it is known (‘vert jus’ in French means green juice), which can be used in a variety of ways from dressings and marinades to cocktail/mocktail ingredients or as a drink on its own. Dr Dupas de Matos won early career researcher funding from Massey to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research in 2022 to discover how New Zealand consumers respond to verjuice and compare this with producers’ understanding of the product and the way they market it. Having communicated her research findings to winemakers, Dr Dupas de Matos hopes that clear guidance on consumer taste profiling and packaging expectations will encourage more winemakers to consider going into production by taking a lot of the risk out of launching a new product. “Whereas it is a more established product in Europe, dating back to medieval times, New Zealand consumers are not very familiar with verjuice and need information and recipes to prompt them to try it,” she says. “As a dressing or marinade, verjuice is softer than vinegars and citrus juices, and so does not overpower fish, shellfish, chicken, and it is certainly more delicate as a salad dressing.” She says she is excited about the opportunity for New Zealand winemakers to turn this waste material into a secondary income stream, which would also help with sustainability efforts. Read more:

GREAT insights to a lot of the trends we are seeing in the industry. Something to especially note is the kind of wine consumption we are seeing. Generation Z is seeing not only leaning heavier into non-alcoholic wines, but also the fine wine market having stagnant demand is a good sign. People are indeeed drinking better and more sophisticated wines!

THE CZECH WINE INDUSTRY The Czech Republic is better known for beer than for wine, but wine has been a part of Czech culture for millennia. The most interesting development, apart from its extraordinary boon in the Middle Ages, has been occurring over the last 30 years. With the disintegration of the U S S R, the whole industry escaped the despair of the state-controlled economy and experienced exceptional development in a short time. Winemakers had to buy new equipment for controlled fermentation, and had to learn how to use them. The Czech Republic is split into two quite distinct wine regions: Bohemia, stretching along the 50th parallel with pockets of vineyards that together account for only about 4 percent of the total area under vine, and Moravia, an area located in the south-eastern part of the country. With the 49th parallel as its backbone – roughly akin to the Champagne region - the majority of local viticulture spans some 18,000 hectares producing some 600,000 hectolitres annually. The climate, as a Central European country, is continental. Most summer months bring higher temperatures than normally seen at similar latitudes, a trend that has become more pronounced with climate change in recent years. This has a positive effect on shortening the vegetation and paves the way for relatively reliable cultivation of late-ripening varieties. This is substantially reflected in the aromas of white wines in particular, which also retain a pleasant acidity and bouquet. Their expression is further supported by the composition of the soil, which historically was formed on marine and freshwater sediments and loess. Together with the rugged topography of the landscape and the influence of the rivers, the soil and climatic conditions give rise to unique wines with great diversity. Dry white wines dominate production. Reds have also been gaining ground; thanks to modern processing technologies, they are full-bodied and distinctive, yet also soft and velvety, with a pleasant fruity aroma. For the future, rosé wines are the trend, attractive not only for their colour but also for their youthful character, freshness and exceptional floral and fruity aromas. The most common white varieties are grüner veltliner, Müller Thurgau, iesling, welschriesling and pinot gris. These five varieties, however, only represent just over 50 ecent of white acreage, which reveals just how diverse the varietal range here is. The most widely grown red varieties are blaufränkisch, St. Laurent, zweigeltrebe, pinot noir and blauer portugieser, which total almost 80 percent of vineyard area planted to reds, leaving other red varieties in a distinct minority. However, there are also more and more wineries managing vineyards to even stricter ecological standards, i.e. producing organic and biodynamic wines. Czech wines have reached maturity and are on their way into the world. The industry undoubtedly reached a solid level in terms of wine, but it is far from over.

I like this discussion, and the question of how my own one-person business is supposed to "work with" my better-funded bulk wine frenemies, but more importantly: how the economic stratification of wine strangles itself in public outreach, and the cult of the expert. Have $65+ bottles (read exclusionary) wine duped consumers into an insecure position that is possibly coming around to bite us now as the library of 10 vineyard designate $80 Pinots gathers dust? When I was restaurant consulting and researching the perfect burger, every single non-cooking, non-chef civilian had 20 opinions on the platonic hamburger. This is an example of the opposite problem, where everyone feels entitled to an unearned opinion, but the accessibility was startling. Though wine should always stay "special" like Parmigiano or diver scallops, there may some blame to hang on fancy "chateau culture" and faux largesse luxury when making a serious $20 bottle might have been the better idea today. https://lnkd.in/gv_BBbDU

The Washington State wine industry faces a critical juncture in 2024, grappling with challenges such as harvest setbacks, the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates buyout, and the broader impact of climate change. Despite uncertainties, the industry demonstrates resilience, supported by diversification, strategic leadership transitions, and a commitment to innovation. This article explores the dynamic landscape, emphasizing the collaboration between small and large entities as key to navigating and ensuring a promising future for Washington's diverse wine industry. Harvest Challenges and Inventory Woes: The winter of 2024 will represent a turning point for the Washington State wine industry. Nothing speaks to the challenges it faces than a vineyard photo in January’s Good Fruit Grower magazine. The caption reads: “Cabernet sauvignon grapes hang unharvested in late November in the Horse Heaven Hills growing area of Washington.” A few days later the just-released Silicon Valley Bank’s 2024 Wine Industry Report showed the state with 29% lower than average harvest yields in 2023, with just five percent of growers reporting above average yields. Diversification and Washington's Unique Position: Washington’s industry, however, is diversified, producing 80+ varieties, the Washington State Wine Commission is responding, and the state has tremendous resources, including top-notch research capacity at Washington State University. Washington’s wine industry allocates 25% of its budget to support the viticulture and enology research program, along with the state-of-the-art WSU Wine Science Center. Ninety percent of Washington state’s wineries are small, family-owned businesses that make fewer than 5,000 cases a year, a percentage even greater than that for Oregon. However, Washington remains the second largest wine producer in the US. These facts perhaps point to the overall industry imbalance that will need addressing. In addition, as expert Elin McCoy recently observed on The Wine Conversation, another issue is that Washington appears to never have developed a reputation for a leading wine style, such as Napa Cabernet or Oregon Pinot Noir. Washington State Merlot has that potential, as do Bordeaux blends. This will depend on the quality of small producers and their marketing prowess. Here is the report and update on Sommeliers Choice Awards by Charlie Leary (李嘉立) PhD. Washington State Wine Commission Sommeliers Choice Awards Sommelier Business Beverage Trade Network

California’s Top Biodynamic Wine Selections: Discover the magic of California's top biodynamic wines, where holistic farming brings the vineyard to life. From diverse tasting profiles to Demeter certifications, these sustainable selections offer a richer wine-tasting experience. Embrace the essence of biodynamic wine and uncover the story of the earth, one sip at a time... The post California’s Top Biodynamic Wine Selections appeared first on Bio Wine Buzz.

Wine Market - A bleak picture for those wine producers operating at the EUR8 (US$8.75) or less end of the per-bottle retail price ladder. The prognosis is based on a low level of engagement with younger LDA consumers coupled with high inventory levels at the distributor and retailer levels and the recently forecast low wine production figures globally for this year It’s important that we adapt to the world we live in today, which has given the whole wine industry an additional level of complexity. It’s not enough anymore to only talk to the community of wine lovers #wine #wines #winebusiness #wineindustry #winemarket #entrylevelwine #wineproduction #wineries #winery Rodolphe Lameyse great insights

10 Key transformative events in the wine industry in the last year 🍷: 1️⃣ Climate Change Adaptation: Vineyards adapted to climate challenges, focusing on sustainable practices and resilient grape varieties. 2️⃣ Rise of Natural Wines: Increased production of natural and #organicwines in response to consumer health and environmental concerns. 3️⃣ Technological Innovations: Technology like drones and AI enhanced efficiency and quality in winemaking. 4️⃣ Quality Over Quantity: Consumers prioritize higher-quality wines, prompting wineries to refine marketing and production. 5️⃣ Shift in Preferences: Consumers favor wines with lower alcohol content and explore lesser-known varieties. 6️⃣ Legislative Impact: Changes in regulations influenced production, labeling, and marketing strategies. 7️⃣ Wine Tourism Growth: Wine tourism flourished, boosting local economies and promoting wine culture. 8️⃣ Mergers and Acquisitions: Corporate restructuring saw major mergers and acquisitions. 9️⃣ Wine Education Expansion: Increased demand for wine education led to expanded programs. 🔟 Diversification in Styles: Wineries diversified offerings, including low/no-alcohol wines and innovative techniques. #wine #export #wineindustry #organicwines #winesfromspain

Unlock the grape-to-wine process and uncover the artistry behind winemaking. From carefully selecting the right grapes to applying proven wine production techniques, every stage of the process impacts the final product. Dive into the scientific, cultural, and traditional aspects of making wines and expand your knowledge in this captivating journey from grapes to wine. #ExploringWinemaking #FromGrapesToWine #WineEducation https://lnkd.in/gAdzr3uU