NEWS     FEBRUARY 2008

China is set to come to prominence as a wine producing region following the ongoing ramifications of global warming.

With the alcohol level of wines on a seemingly inexorable rise – led by the New World, but now increasingly driven by the Old World as well – the International Wine and Spirits Competition decided to hold a debate to discuss the often controversial issues that surround high alcohol. Does high alcohol go hand in hand with high quality? Do consumers like elevated alcohol levels? What are the health issues associated with consuming wines with high alcohol levels? And can a wine of 15% ABV ever be balanced?

BARCELONA, Spain (AFP) — Champagne produced in southern England? Bordeaux in the Loire Valley?

Al Gore concluded the Climate Change and Wine Conference 2008 in Barcelona this weekend (February 16) by calling on the industry to act.

EVERYONE loves a bargain. But retailers know that people will sometimes turn their noses up at a cheap version of a more expensive item, even if the two are essentially the same. That suggests something is at work in the mind of the consumer beyond simple appreciation of a product's intrinsic qualities.

Epilepsy South Africa, a non-profit organisation that aims to provide equal opportunities for people with epilepsy and other disabilities, will be hosting a glamorous wine auction on 19 March 2008, at the Arabella Quays (previously the Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel) in Cape Town. This beautiful blend of fantastic food and wines, an excellent venue, Master of Ceremonies, Soli Philander and a first class auctioneer are to make this event a 'Highlight event on the Social Calendar'.

Winescape, the magazine many have come to love will be moving from a quarterly publication to become a larger format coffee table book. The beauty of, and interest in the Cape and its wine lands is something we believe needs to be portrayed in a product that has a longer shelf life. It should be a treasured possession talking about all things wine and the Cape.

Most American family wineries are prey to corporate takeovers as they lack succession plans, a survey says.

The ''II World Meeting on Climate Change and Wine'' that was held in Barcelona for two days, ended last Saturday February 16. The Conference was organized by The Wine Academy of Spain and coordinated by its president Pancho Campo.

Twelve of the world's most influential winemakers, including Paul Draper, Peter Sisseck, Dirk van de Niepoort and Stephane Derenoncourt are to meet in Spain to discuss the issues confronting wine production today.