Casella Wines, owner of Yellow Tail, has slipped into a AU$5.5m loss as weaker US demand, tariffs and rising costs hit earnings, despite growth in other markets such as the UK, Europe and Asia.

Full-year results showed a AU$5.5 million loss, reversing profits of AU$18.6 million in 2024 and AU$26.5 million in 2023. US sales fell about 17 per cent, while higher raw material, energy and freight costs increased pressure across the group.

Casella also lifted debt by around AU$170 million and briefly breached a debt covenant before receiving a bank waiver, highlighting tighter financial conditions. Despite this, management says the business remains stable and is supported by sales growth in other regions.

The wider Australian wine sector continues to struggle with oversupply, falling consumption and restructuring, though producers are adapting through lower alcohol styles, premiumisation and export diversification.
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The collapse of Bordeaux-based barrel supplier H&A has sent shockwaves through France’s wine sector, raising fears for coopers and growers reliant on its rental model and leaving millions of euros in unpaid bills across the supply chain.

The company, founded by Richard Hardillier and Florent Arrouy, built rapid growth on leasing barrels to winemakers instead of selling them outright, easing upfront costs that can reach €1,500 per cask. Expanding across Europe and into California, H&A amassed around 2,000 clients and close to one million barrels at its peak.

However, mounting financial strain forced the firm into judicial liquidation earlier this month. It had already been unable to pay suppliers since early February, with unpaid invoices to coopers estimated at €10 million.

Growers now face uncertainty, with fears they could be pursued for payment despite leasing arrangements. Meanwhile, operational disruptions continue, and a court hearing on 28 April will consider potential buyers.

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The Trump administration has begun issuing refunds on tariffs ruled unlawful by the US Supreme Court, offering potential relief for importers of wine, whisky and other spirits as a new claims system goes live.
US Customs and Border Protection has launched the Cape platform to process reimbursement requests on duties imposed in 2025 under emergency powers. The move follows a court order to return more than US$160 billion collected through the tariffs.

Approved claims are expected to be paid within 60 to 90 days, though it remains unclear whether consumers will benefit directly. For wine importers, the development is significant, easing pressure on margins after a challenging period marked by weaker demand and rising costs.


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New Zealand has launched a global campaign to create the world’s first dedicated white wine emoji, celebrating its iconic styles and rallying wine lovers to support a long-overdue addition to digital culture.

New Zealand Winegrowers has unveiled “The Great White Wine Toast”, a worldwide initiative highlighting the country’s celebrated white wines while advocating for official recognition in emoji form. Despite white wine’s global popularity, only red wine, champagne and cocktails are currently represented across digital platforms.

The campaign argues that modern wine culture is not reflected in today’s emoji set, and proposes a pale-gold white wine glass design inspired by New Zealand’s vibrant styles. Supporters are encouraged to sign a petition, share posts using #WhiteWineEmoji, and join a global toast on 1 May, International Sauvignon Blanc Day.

Timed to coincide with key white wine celebrations throughout May, the initiative will culminate in a formal submission to the Unicode Consortium, backed by public and industry support.

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Winegrowers around the world are reintroducing animals into vineyards, swapping chemicals and machinery for horses, sheep and birds. Driven by environmental concerns and rising oil pressures, the move is boosting soil health while cutting costs and emissions.

Across major wine regions, animals are reclaiming a traditional role in vineyard management. Notably in France, Southern Europe, Italy and Germany as well as in New Zealand, Australia and California, where livestock integration is more established.

Horses are being used for ploughing, reducing soil compaction compared to tractors and improving structure, while sheep graze between rows, to control weeds. Research published in journals such as Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment shows that sheep grazing can reduce the need for herbicides and mowing without harming grape yields, while also contributing organic matter to soils.

Pigs, chickens and ducks are also joining the mix, tackling pests, clearing undergrowth and naturally fertilising soils. Larger producers are adopting the approach, reflecting both ecological and economic appeal.

It is especially established in France and Southern Europe, where sheep grazing is widely used in agroecological programmes. It is also growing in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, particularly in organic and biodynamic vineyards. Outside Europe, it is seen in New Zealand and Australia, where livestock integration is more established, and in California, where sheep are increasingly used for seasonal grazing and weed control.

Though more labour-intensive, animal integration reduces reliance on fossil fuels and chemicals. For many growers, it offers a practical, sustainable alternative, and the visible presence of animals in vineyards is proving popular with visitors, adding an element of tradition and appeal to modern wine tourism.
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Champagne growers say frost has destroyed around 40% of buds in the region, raising concern for the 2026 harvest after vines developed unusually early and were hit by late cold snaps across northern France.

CIVC said the damage is the second worst since 2003, when 45% of buds were lost, with vines already around three weeks ahead of normal development, making them more vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
Officials said it is still too early to estimate final crop losses, as the vine cycle is not complete and weather conditions in the coming months will play a key role before harvest.

Late spring frosts remain one of the most closely watched risks due to their ability to sharply reduce yields and impact global supply across key export markets.
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