While New Zealand wine continues to thrive in the US, Australia has seen little let-up in its U.S. struggles. However, the ailing category is seeing a silver lining in the premium tier. Plagued in recent years by both oversupply issues and a rising domestic currency, Australian shipments to the U.S. slipped nine per cent to just over 17.8 million cases in 2014. But much like top imported wine player Italy, the category has benefited from trading-up trends, with declines skewing heavily toward Australia’s low-end and bulk segments and higher-end wines demonstrating gains.

The first Single Malt Whisky distilled in the Margaret River Wine Region has been released by The Grove Experience distillery. A fine way for The Grove to celebrate 20 years in the region. A special limited 90 bottle release distilled by The Grove’s artisan distiller James Reed who has mastered the craft of distilling spirits by travelling the world to gain knowledge and experience for his passion in creating fine top shelf spirits.

Australia’s two leading winemakers, Pernod Ricard (PRW) and Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), have put forward their case for wine tax reform to the Federal Government. Yesterday, the pair urged the government to change to a system that they say will restore growth and will secure a more sustainable future for the industry. Submissions to the government as part of its discussion paper on tax reform have now closed.

The Weatherill Government wants to formalise South Australia as a Great Wine Capital, but the industry isn’t convinced. The Great Wine Capitals scheme is a network of international cities which, according to the group’s website, “share a key economic and cultural asset: their internationally renowned wine regions”. Rodney Harrex, chief executive of the SA Tourism Commission, confirmed in a Budget and Finance Committee hearing last week that SATC and the Department of Primary Industries were spearheading a push to enrol SA in the group.

Tasmanian wineries are being told to take risks and enhance and diversify their cellar door operations. State grape and wine industry peak body Wine Tasmania said too many producers were playing it safe, and missing out on a significant opportunity to attract more customers and boost their profits. Cellar door experiences – where a winery sells its products direct to the public – was a key topic at Wine Tasmania’s annual conference in Launceston.

Majestic Wine’s new boss will give an early indication of how he plans to put some fizz back into the business when he presents the retailer’s annual results this week. Rowan Gormley joined the group, which has 15 Scottish sites, after it bought online rival Naked Wines, a company he had founded and run since 2008, for up to £70 million.

Hawke’s Bay winemaker Nick Picone has been appointed chief winemaker for the Villa Maria Group, with chief executive Sir George Fistonich describing the 37-year-old as a “shining star” of the New Zealand wine industry. Picone said he was proud to take on the role and agreed it was a long way from when he started pursuing a grape and wine certificate at the EIT back in 1996 – where after one month he knew he wanted to be a winemaker rather than a viticulturist.
“It’s a bit daunting but it is really exciting,” he said. “I’ve been with Villa Maria for 18 years and with the experience I had in the regions I’ve worked in, and knowing the great teams of people we have, I realised I was in a position to accept the responsibility.”

Rumours are building that a class action against Jim Berardo will be waged. Creditors of his failed businesses found out at a meeting with Noosa Food and Wine Events administrator John Cunningham on Thursday that the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival had not made a profit in years and had no money in the bank. The Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants administrator in Mooloolaba was open to all 120 creditors. “We’re screwed. There’s no money,” said one beverage supplier, who was owed thousands of dollars.

Air New Zealand has appointed two leading international wine judges and commentators to help select the one million bottles of wine its passengers drink a year. Linda Murphy is based in Sonoma County near the Napa Valley in the United States and is one of the world’s most sought after wine judges, according to the airline. Fongyee Walker is based in Beijing and is the co-founder of Dragon Phoenix Wine Consulting, leaders in Chinese wine education and consultancy. The airline has restricted the wines served in the economy and premium economy class cabins to Villa Maria group labels but can select from all wine makers for its business class.

Edge has won a competitive pitch for the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association (HVWTA) account to manage their digital content and social strategy and revitalise the Hunter Valley magazine and visitor guide. The HVWTA is a ‘not-for-pro?t’ membership body charged with destination and wine marketing for the region and its members, comprising vineyards, accommodation providers, tour operators, restaurants and cafes.