A series of heat waves has compounded a critical drought in much of Europe, as a result the grape harvesting season has come early for French wine makers.

WION Climate Tracker | France: Warmer winters cause grape vines to produce early buds

Anita Oberholster, a wine chemist, received hundreds of emails from distraught viticulturists after the terrible Glass Fire broke out in California's Napa Valley. All were interested in knowing if they could harvest grapes without the feared smoke taint, which might impart an unpleasing ashtray flavour&nbsp;to the wine.

Even the strongest wines can be killed by weather extremes, but chemical changes in the berries represent a significant portion of the climate threat. That's because, at its most fundamental level, wine quality comes down to striking a balance between three characteristics of berries: sugar, acid, and secondary. As wines engage in photosynthesis, sugar accumulates in berries, and acid degrades as grapes ripen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-wine-bottles-with-adolf-hitlers-and-other-dictators-face-remain-on-sale-despite-backlash-505827">Also read |&nbsp;Italian wine bottles with faces of Adolf Hitler, other dictators on sale despite backlash</a>

"Terroir", a French word referring to a variety of environmental conditions such as soil types, and rainfall, all have an impact on wine's flavour. However, according to Oberholster, the biggest terroir component is climate, the BBC reported.

The wine sector is already experiencing a blurring between wines, which is being fueled by rising temperatures, increasing weather conditions and other ways of growing methods. Changes in wine flavour are minor compared to smoke taint and other dreaded climatic influences.

Oberholster defines this as having an ashtray flavour at the back of your throat with notes of band-aid and medicinal, although a slight amount of smokiness might enhance a wine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/infographic-climate-crisis-has-driven-world-on-brink-of-five-disastrous-tipping-points-514540">Also read |&nbsp;Infographic: Climate crisis has driven world on brink of five ‘disastrous’ tipping points</a>

Will people continue to buy wine? Extreme heat and smoke are too much for grapes to handle. Therefore, scientists and winemakers are working to find ways to use crops that are impacted by the climate while producing wines that are well-rounded.

Oberholster advises growers to conduct a small-scale bucket fermentation to test for smoke taint. She believes that many of the vines left unharvested after the devastating California fires in 2020 could still have produced good wine. However, as per research, wine ratings have increased over the past 60 years.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Anita Oberholster, a wine chemist, received hundreds of emails from distraught viticulturists after the terrible Glass Fire broke out in California's Napa Valley.

Anita Oberholster, a wine chemist, received hundreds of emails from distraught viticulturists after the terrible Glass Fire broke out in California's Napa Valley. All were interested in knowing if they could harvest grapes without the feared smoke taint, which might impart an unpleasing ashtray flavour to the wine. Even the strongest wines can be killed by weather extremes, but chemical changes in the berries represent a significant portion of the climate threat. That's because, at its most fundamental level, wine quality comes down to striking a balance between three characteristics of berries: sugar, acid, and secondary. As wines engage in photosynthesis, sugar accumulates in berries, and acid degrades as grapes ripen. Also read | Italian wine bottles with faces of Adolf Hitler, other dictators on sale despite backlash "Terroir", a French word referring to a variety of environmental conditions such as soil types, and rainfall, all have an impact on wine's flavour. However, according to Oberholster, the biggest terroir component is climate, the BBC reported. The wine sector is already experiencing a blurring between wines, which is being fueled by rising temperatures, increasing weather conditions and other ways of growing methods. Changes in wine flavour are minor compared to smoke taint and other dreaded climatic influences. Oberholster defines this as having an ashtray flavour at the back of your throat with notes of band-aid and medicinal, although a slight amount of smokiness might enhance a wine. Also read | Infographic: Climate crisis has driven world on brink of five ‘disastrous’ tipping points Will people continue to buy wine? Extreme heat and smoke are too much for grapes to handle. Therefore, scientists and winemakers are working to find ways to use crops that are impacted by the climate while producing wines that are well-rounded. Oberholster advises growers to conduct a small-scale bucket fermentation to test for smoke taint. She believes that many of the vines left unharvested after the devastating California fires in 2020 could still have produced good wine. However, as per research, wine ratings have increased over the past 60 years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Is climate change affecting wine's flavour?

Celebrating traditional wine making and the popular wine growing regions in the country, Armenia recently hosted a wine making festival. Over 4,000 Armenians have attended the wine-making festival.

Novice wine makers get a taste of traditional wine-making

From God's drink to everyone's favourite, wine has come a long way while having ancient roots. Know all about the history of Wine on World of Food's latest episode.

World of Food: How wine took over the world

from God's drink to everyone's favourite, Wine has come a long way while having ancient roots. Know all about the history of Wine on World of Food's latest episode only on www.wionews.com

World of Food: How wine took over the world | WION Originals Teaser

Wine bottles featuring an image of Adolf Hitler on their labels have sparked outrage after it was reported that they were being sold in supermarkets. Eric Njoka brings you the story.

WION Fineprint |Hitler-themed wine for sale in supermarkets sparks outrage

Italy is taking Slovenia to court over balsamic vinegar production. Italy says Slovenian plans to ‘standardise’ the name threaten traditional producers in Modena. Molly Gambhir tells you all about this courtroom showdown.

WION Fineprint: Italy takes Slovenia to court over balsamic vinegar

In a plot straight out of a movie, a former Mexican beauty queen and her Romanian-Dutch accomplice were arrested in Croatia after a nine-month chase across Europe for stealing bottles of exquisite wine worth USD 1.7 million from a famous hotel-restaurant in Spain. One of the wine bottles was from 19th century.&nbsp; 
In a statement, Spanish national police said that 45 wine bottles worth a total of 1.65 million euros, including one ‘unique’ 19th-century vintage worth 310,000 euros, were spirited out in a meticulously planned theft from the cellars of the famous hotel-restaurant El Atrio in the western city of Caceres, on October 27, 2021. 
The 29-year-old Mexican woman, who has competed in a beauty pageant as per Spanish media, distracted waiters of El Atrio, a Michelin-starred restaurant, while her 47-year-old male accomplice entered the wine cellar using a master key and stole the wine bottles worth 1.7 million dollars. 
The next day, hotel CCTV captured the pair, who had checked in with false Swiss identity documents, checking out at 5.30 a.m. and leaving on foot with no forensic trace of their presence left at the hotel, it said, leading police to initially believe an organised gang was behind the heist. 
The police statement said that the pair had visited the hotel before and had, like many customers, been given a tour of the wine cellar.&nbsp; 
Among the stolen wine was a bottle of prestigious French Bordeaux Chateau d’Yquem from 1806, which had an “incalculable” value, said sommelier Jose Polo, a co-owner of El Atrio. 
“That bottle was part of my personal history, almost part of me, of the history of Atrio, but also of Caceres, of its citizens, of wine lovers all over the world,” Polo said in a letter to local media quoted by Spanish daily El Pais. 
The two suspects left Spain within days and were pursued for months across Europe before being identified by Croatian border guards as they crossed from Montenegro, police said.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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In a plot straight out of a movie, a former Mexican beauty queen and her Romanian-Dutch accomplice were arrested in Croatia after a nine-month chase across Europe for stealing bottles of exquisite wine worth USD 1.

In a plot straight out of a movie, a former Mexican beauty queen and her Romanian-Dutch accomplice were arrested in Croatia after a nine-month chase across Europe for stealing bottles of exquisite wine worth USD 1.7 million from a famous hotel-restaurant in Spain. One of the wine bottles was from 19th century. In a statement, Spanish national police said that 45 wine bottles worth a total of 1.65 million euros, including one ‘unique’ 19th-century vintage worth 310,000 euros, were spirited out in a meticulously planned theft from the cellars of the famous hotel-restaurant El Atrio in the western city of Caceres, on October 27, 2021. The 29-year-old Mexican woman, who has competed in a beauty pageant as per Spanish media, distracted waiters of El Atrio, a Michelin-starred restaurant, while her 47-year-old male accomplice entered the wine cellar using a master key and stole the wine bottles worth 1.7 million dollars. The next day, hotel CCTV captured the pair, who had checked in with false Swiss identity documents, checking out at 5.30 a.m. and leaving on foot with no forensic trace of their presence left at the hotel, it said, leading police to initially believe an organised gang was behind the heist. The police statement said that the pair had visited the hotel before and had, like many customers, been given a tour of the wine cellar. Among the stolen wine was a bottle of prestigious French Bordeaux Chateau d’Yquem from 1806, which had an “incalculable” value, said sommelier Jose Polo, a co-owner of El Atrio. “That bottle was part of my personal history, almost part of me, of the history of Atrio, but also of Caceres, of its citizens, of wine lovers all over the world,” Polo said in a letter to local media quoted by Spanish daily El Pais. The two suspects left Spain within days and were pursued for months across Europe before being identified by Croatian border guards as they crossed from Montenegro, police said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mexican beauty queen caught in chase across Europe after stealing wine worth millions

There's an underwater winery in Spain. Several wine bottles are stored in the underwater winery that is 20 meters under the surface. The owner of the winery says it gives a unique flavour to the wine.

Underwater treasure or empty bottles, no! it’s an underwater winery!

In Spain a winery is aging its bottles under the ocean they're calling it sunken wine, watch this exclusive report for more!

Spain: Can ocean change wine for better?

Some indigenous farmers from the world's driest desert Atacama are producing an exotic wine despite extreme temperatures and the raging sun.

This exotic wine in Chile is made in a desert

European Parliament has refused to print cancer warnings on wine bottles. MEPs have called the health warning 'senseless', and have refused to inform consumers about the link between cancer and wine drinking. Palki Sharma tells you why lawmakers are hiding critical information.

Gravitas: EU refuses to print cancer warning on wine bottles

Is wine bad for you? For decades, we have been told that wine is good for our heart. Experts disagree. They say wine, just like every other alcohol, can kill you. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Is wine bad for you? Find out

The American chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers, one of the world’s most influential wine organizations, is moving to expel six men accused of a variety of sexual-misconduct offenses, after a nine-month investigation.

The inquiry followed an October 2020 report in The New York Times in which 21 women said they had been sexually harassed, manipulated or assaulted by male master sommeliers. Current and former members described the court, whose members are mostly men, as a bastion of sexual harassment and coercion that had long been known and tolerated by the group’s leaders.

“What became clear through this investigation was the need for a seismic cultural shift within our organization,” Emily Wines, the chairwoman of the chapter’s board, said Wednesday in a statement about its investigation, which was conducted by an outside firm. The announcement was first reported by The San Francisco Chronicle.

The court said it would not disclose specific findings about the six men: Drew Hendricks, Fred Dexheimer, Joseph Linder, Matt Stamp, Robert Bath and Fred Dame, a founder of the chapter. But it said its investigation “confirmed that perceived power was exploited by members of the organization. The findings substantiated behaviors that ranged from inappropriate comments and flirting to nonconsensual touching and exploiting a mentoring relationship for a perceived quid pro quo.”

The court will hold a hearing about the proposed expulsions within 30 days. If the men are ousted, they would be prohibited from applying for reinstatement, according to a letter sent to one of the men.

The chapter also banned Geoff Kruth, a prominent member who resigned last year, from seeking reinstatement. Shortly before The Times article appeared, Kruth stepped down as the president of GuildSomm, the court’s educational spinoff. Eleven women told The Times they had experienced sexual misconduct by Kruth. Reached by phone on Thursday, he declined to comment.

More than a dozen women said Dame had frequently engaged in unwanted touching and sexual innuendo. On Thursday, he hung up on a reporter.

One woman said Hendricks had grabbed for her breasts, and another said he had asked for “a pair of panties to snuggle with” after she refused to sleep with him. Hendricks and his lawyer did not respond to messages seeking comment. Neither did Bath and Dexheimer.

Stamp, once the vice president of the board, failed to disclose that he had sexual relationships with two women who underwent the rigorous exam process required for membership. In a statement, Stamp said he “should have not been within the vicinity of anyone taking an examination” with whom he had a romantic relationship, even though he had recused himself from proctoring the exams for those women.

He said he took responsibility for his error in judgment: “I will learn and grow from my mistakes and accept today’s decision with a heavy heart.”

Linder, a master sommelier in Seattle who is now a contractor, also said that he took responsibility for his actions, but that the scandal pointed to a wider problem in the sommelier community. “When you are impaired, your better judgment goes out the window,” he said.

Liz Dowty Mitchell, 38, a sommelier in New Orleans, is one of two women who said Dame had slapped her on the rear at court events. She also said last year that a man who mentored her had repeatedly pursued her with sexual invitations. He is not among the men the chapter is seeking to dismiss.

Mitchell said she was contacted by an investigator in January, but decided not to take part in the inquiry because she didn’t trust the process. She said that she was blindsided by the sudden release of the investigation results and disappointed that men accused of more egregious sexual acts were not among those marked for expulsion.

“It’s really disheartening,” Mitchell said. “It’s incredibly uncomfortable. It doesn’t leave me with any sort of closure.”

The court said 22 members were investigated, but the “findings did not support further action in some cases.” Some members, it said, will go through “varying levels of rehabilitative education to allow members to take accountability and then return in good standing.”

Wines, the board’s chairwoman, said that while “a small number” of investigations were continuing, the court decided to announce the proposed expulsions because most of the inquiries had concluded.

Mitchell said she has been haunted by the belief that some men, including her mentor, who harassed women would continue as members.

“That’s a horrible feeling when I risked everything to come forward to protect future women,” she said. “I have no assurance that it won’t happen again in the future, and that’s why we came forward in the first place, to protect future women. It’s a pretty terrible feeling. It’s like this is all in vain.”

In the days following The Times report, the chapter elected a new board. Devon Broglie, the chairman, had resigned, after a junior-level candidate said Broglie had an inappropriate sexual relationship with her before he became chairman. The court said his resignation was unrelated to the allegations.

Linder, one of the sommeliers marked for ouster, said he agreed with Mitchell that some men accused of more serious abuses had not been punished.

“The hammer should’ve come a lot harder on the people who groomed candidates and had sex with them,” he said. “And for some reason, they got a pass.”

The American chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers, one of the world’s most influential wine organizations, is moving to expel six men accused of a variety of sexual-misconduct offenses, after a nine-month investigation.

The American chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers, one of the world’s most influential wine organizations, is moving to expel six men accused of a variety of sexual-misconduct offenses, after a nine-month investigation. The inquiry followed an October 2020 report in The New York Times in which 21 women said they had been sexually harassed, manipulated or assaulted by male master sommeliers. Current and former members described the court, whose members are mostly men, as a bastion of sexual harassment and coercion that had long been known and tolerated by the group’s leaders. “What became clear through this investigation was the need for a seismic cultural shift within our organization,” Emily Wines, the chairwoman of the chapter’s board, said Wednesday in a statement about its investigation, which was conducted by an outside firm. The announcement was first reported by The San Francisco Chronicle. The court said it would not disclose specific findings about the six men: Drew Hendricks, Fred Dexheimer, Joseph Linder, Matt Stamp, Robert Bath and Fred Dame, a founder of the chapter. But it said its investigation “confirmed that perceived power was exploited by members of the organization. The findings substantiated behaviors that ranged from inappropriate comments and flirting to nonconsensual touching and exploiting a mentoring relationship for a perceived quid pro quo.” The court will hold a hearing about the proposed expulsions within 30 days. If the men are ousted, they would be prohibited from applying for reinstatement, according to a letter sent to one of the men. The chapter also banned Geoff Kruth, a prominent member who resigned last year, from seeking reinstatement. Shortly before The Times article appeared, Kruth stepped down as the president of GuildSomm, the court’s educational spinoff. Eleven women told The Times they had experienced sexual misconduct by Kruth. Reached by phone on Thursday, he declined to comment. More than a dozen women said Dame had frequently engaged in unwanted touching and sexual innuendo. On Thursday, he hung up on a reporter. One woman said Hendricks had grabbed for her breasts, and another said he had asked for “a pair of panties to snuggle with” after she refused to sleep with him. Hendricks and his lawyer did not respond to messages seeking comment. Neither did Bath and Dexheimer. Stamp, once the vice president of the board, failed to disclose that he had sexual relationships with two women who underwent the rigorous exam process required for membership. In a statement, Stamp said he “should have not been within the vicinity of anyone taking an examination” with whom he had a romantic relationship, even though he had recused himself from proctoring the exams for those women. He said he took responsibility for his error in judgment: “I will learn and grow from my mistakes and accept today’s decision with a heavy heart.” Linder, a master sommelier in Seattle who is now a contractor, also said that he took responsibility for his actions, but that the scandal pointed to a wider problem in the sommelier community. “When you are impaired, your better judgment goes out the window,” he said. Liz Dowty Mitchell, 38, a sommelier in New Orleans, is one of two women who said Dame had slapped her on the rear at court events. She also said last year that a man who mentored her had repeatedly pursued her with sexual invitations. He is not among the men the chapter is seeking to dismiss. Mitchell said she was contacted by an investigator in January, but decided not to take part in the inquiry because she didn’t trust the process. She said that she was blindsided by the sudden release of the investigation results and disappointed that men accused of more egregious sexual acts were not among those marked for expulsion. “It’s really disheartening,” Mitchell said. “It’s incredibly uncomfortable. It doesn’t leave me with any sort of closure.” The court said 22 members were investigated, but the “findings did not support further action in some cases.” Some members, it said, will go through “varying levels of rehabilitative education to allow members to take accountability and then return in good standing.” Wines, the board’s chairwoman, said that while “a small number” of investigations were continuing, the court decided to announce the proposed expulsions because most of the inquiries had concluded. Mitchell said she has been haunted by the belief that some men, including her mentor, who harassed women would continue as members. “That’s a horrible feeling when I risked everything to come forward to protect future women,” she said. “I have no assurance that it won’t happen again in the future, and that’s why we came forward in the first place, to protect future women. It’s a pretty terrible feeling. It’s like this is all in vain.” In the days following The Times report, the chapter elected a new board. Devon Broglie, the chairman, had resigned, after a junior-level candidate said Broglie had an inappropriate sexual relationship with her before he became chairman. The court said his resignation was unrelated to the allegations. Linder, one of the sommeliers marked for ouster, said he agreed with Mitchell that some men accused of more serious abuses had not been punished. “The hammer should’ve come a lot harder on the people who groomed candidates and had sex with them,” he said. “And for some reason, they got a pass.”

Elite wine group moves to expel 6 members in sexual harassment inquiry

Archaeologists have discovered the oldest industrial wine press dating back 2,700 years in northern Iraq.

The discovery coincides with a vast increase in wine demand among the ruling imperial elite of Assyria.

Located in the northern part of Mesopotamia, it was one of the world's earliest empires. It is currently located in modern Iraq, as well as parts of Iran.

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According to Daniele Morandi Bonacossi, ''This is a quite unique archaeological finding, because it is the first time in northern Mesopotamia that archaeologists are able to identify a wine production area.''

Bonacossi is a Professor of Near Eastern archaeology at the university of Udine and director of the Land of Nineveh Archaeological Project in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-why-did-meta-block-hashtag-used-for-celebrity-chef-nusret-gokce-428018" hreflang="en">Why did Meta block hashtag used for celebrity chef Nusret Gokce?</a>

Unearthed at the archaeological site of Khanis, near the northern Iraqi province of Dohuk, the discovery's value lies partly in its historical context, Bonacossi added.

Assyrian scripture has previously pointed to an increased demand in wine, especially among members of court and the broader social elite. It was used in various ceremonial practices among the rich.

Archaeobotanical remains have also shown an expansion in vineyards in the area at that time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-ancient-hangover-cure-ring-found-at-yavne-excavation-428150" hreflang="en">Israel: Ancient ‘hangover cure’ ring found at Yavne excavation</a>

"In the late Assyrian period, between the 8th and the 7th century BC, there was a dramatic increase ... in wine demand and in wine production," said Bonacossi. "The imperial Assyrian court asked for more and more wine."

The discovery includes 14 installations carved into mountain rocks. The upper, square-shaped basins were used by people to press grapes underfoot, extracting the juice which ran off into the lower circular basins.

The grape juice was then collected in jars, fermented and sold on a large scale.

The site was discovered by a group of Italian archaeologists from the university of Udine in cooperation with antiquities authorities in Dohuk.

The teams are working on adding the ancient structure to the UNESCO world heritage list.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists have discovered the oldest industrial wine press dating back 2,700 years in northern Iraq. The discovery coincides with a vast increase in wine demand among the ruling imperial elite of Assyria.

Archaeologists have discovered the oldest industrial wine press dating back 2,700 years in northern Iraq. The discovery coincides with a vast increase in wine demand among the ruling imperial elite of Assyria. Located in the northern part of Mesopotamia, it was one of the world's earliest empires. It is currently located in modern Iraq, as well as parts of Iran. According to Daniele Morandi Bonacossi, ''This is a quite unique archaeological finding, because it is the first time in northern Mesopotamia that archaeologists are able to identify a wine production area.'' Bonacossi is a Professor of Near Eastern archaeology at the university of Udine and director of the Land of Nineveh Archaeological Project in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Also read | Why did Meta block hashtag used for celebrity chef Nusret Gokce? Unearthed at the archaeological site of Khanis, near the northern Iraqi province of Dohuk, the discovery's value lies partly in its historical context, Bonacossi added. Assyrian scripture has previously pointed to an increased demand in wine, especially among members of court and the broader social elite. It was used in various ceremonial practices among the rich. Archaeobotanical remains have also shown an expansion in vineyards in the area at that time. Also read | Israel: Ancient ‘hangover cure’ ring found at Yavne excavation "In the late Assyrian period, between the 8th and the 7th century BC, there was a dramatic increase ... in wine demand and in wine production," said Bonacossi. "The imperial Assyrian court asked for more and more wine." The discovery includes 14 installations carved into mountain rocks. The upper, square-shaped basins were used by people to press grapes underfoot, extracting the juice which ran off into the lower circular basins. The grape juice was then collected in jars, fermented and sold on a large scale. The site was discovered by a group of Italian archaeologists from the university of Udine in cooperation with antiquities authorities in Dohuk. The teams are working on adding the ancient structure to the UNESCO world heritage list. (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists discover world's oldest industrial wine press in northern Iraq

Bad weather in Europe's top wine-making countries means 2021 will be an extremely low year for wine production, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) said on Thursday.

The Paris-based industry body said that world wine production volume is expected to come in at around 250 million hectalitres, a drop of four percent from last year and seven percent below the 20-year average.

"The 2021 wine production can be considered extremely low, only slightly above the historically small production of 2017," said the OIV.

"This is the result of unfavourable climatic conditions that severely impacted the major wine-producing countries in Europe this year," it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/space-aged-bordeaux-wine-offered-for-private-sale-by-christies-382939">Also read |&nbsp;Space-aged Bordeaux wine offered for private sale by Christie's&nbsp;</a>

Italy, Spain, and France are Europe's leading wine producers and account for 45 percent of the total. They saw their output plummet 22 million hectalitres thanks to spring frosts, hail storms, and deluges of rain.

France's production level was knocked back all the way to 1957.

If wine growers adapted relatively well to the Covid-19 crisis last year, they are now "confronting a much greater problem than the pandemic: climate change," OIV director Pau Roca said.

He said adverse weather events were occurring more and more frequently.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-an-era-for-bernadino-sparkling-wine-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-403445">Also read |&nbsp;End of an era for Bernadino sparkling wine, here is all you need to know</a>

While "there is no vaccine" against climate change, Roca said "there are long-term solutions which will require major efforts in terms of sustainable practices for cultivating vines and producing wine".

He said adaption is an "urgent necessity" for the industry.

The impact of the low production level this year, the third in a row, is still unclear due to the volatility caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the OIV said.&nbsp;

If consumption fell last year by three percent due to the impact of Covid-related restrictions, it is expected to rebound by two percent this year, and could return to pre-pandemic levels except in China.&nbsp;

Bad weather in Europe's top wine-making countries means 2021 will be an extremely low year for wine production, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) said on Thursday.

Bad weather in Europe's top wine-making countries means 2021 will be an extremely low year for wine production, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) said on Thursday. The Paris-based industry body said that world wine production volume is expected to come in at around 250 million hectalitres, a drop of four percent from last year and seven percent below the 20-year average. "The 2021 wine production can be considered extremely low, only slightly above the historically small production of 2017," said the OIV. "This is the result of unfavourable climatic conditions that severely impacted the major wine-producing countries in Europe this year," it added. Also read | Space-aged Bordeaux wine offered for private sale by Christie's Italy, Spain, and France are Europe's leading wine producers and account for 45 percent of the total. They saw their output plummet 22 million hectalitres thanks to spring frosts, hail storms, and deluges of rain. France's production level was knocked back all the way to 1957. If wine growers adapted relatively well to the Covid-19 crisis last year, they are now "confronting a much greater problem than the pandemic: climate change," OIV director Pau Roca said. He said adverse weather events were occurring more and more frequently. Also read | End of an era for Bernadino sparkling wine, here is all you need to know While "there is no vaccine" against climate change, Roca said "there are long-term solutions which will require major efforts in terms of sustainable practices for cultivating vines and producing wine". He said adaption is an "urgent necessity" for the industry. The impact of the low production level this year, the third in a row, is still unclear due to the volatility caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the OIV said. If consumption fell last year by three percent due to the impact of Covid-related restrictions, it is expected to rebound by two percent this year, and could return to pre-pandemic levels except in China.

'Extremely low' wine production in Europe due to bad weather

Wine is a big business in Italy. People familiar with the industry know that geography and the name make a lot of difference, which is why Italy and Croatia are battling over Prosecco wine because at stake is a $2 billion monopoly.

Italy & Croatia battle it over Prosecco wine

The people of New Zealand are mourning as the production of country's cheapest sparkling wines has come to an end.&nbsp;

The death knell has sounded for the $10-a-bottle Bernadino spumante, colloquially known as “Bernadino spewmante”, “Bernie” or “the best party plonk”.

Lion New Zealand, the liquor company that owns and distributes Bernadino, told that it was stopping production due to rising costs.

A spokesperson was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "The sparkling wine category is very competitive and with costs rising, unfortunately, it has become commercially unviable to continue its production at this time".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-gates-regrets-meeting-convicted-sex-offender-epstein-403409">Also read |&nbsp;Bill Gates regrets meeting convicted sex offender Epstein</a>

Usually priced between $10 and $12, and with a mid-range alcohol content of 9.5 per cent, Bernadino has long been a popular coming of age drink for young Kiwis, and equally enjoyed by older drinkers.

South City Liquorland store took to its official Facebook handle and announced its demise.&nbsp;

Duty manager Conner Bray was quoted by Stuff as saying, "We were sitting in our group chat last night saying ‘this is getting out of hand – it's at 400 comments’ and then someone only an hour later said ‘it’s at 2000 comments".

The people of New Zealand are mourning as the production of country's cheapest sparkling wines has come to an end. The death knell has sounded for the $10-a-bottle Bernadino spumante, colloquially known as “Bernadino spewmante”, “Bernie” or “the best party plonk”.

The people of New Zealand are mourning as the production of country's cheapest sparkling wines has come to an end. The death knell has sounded for the $10-a-bottle Bernadino spumante, colloquially known as “Bernadino spewmante”, “Bernie” or “the best party plonk”. Lion New Zealand, the liquor company that owns and distributes Bernadino, told that it was stopping production due to rising costs. A spokesperson was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "The sparkling wine category is very competitive and with costs rising, unfortunately, it has become commercially unviable to continue its production at this time". Also read | Bill Gates regrets meeting convicted sex offender Epstein Usually priced between $10 and $12, and with a mid-range alcohol content of 9.5 per cent, Bernadino has long been a popular coming of age drink for young Kiwis, and equally enjoyed by older drinkers. South City Liquorland store took to its official Facebook handle and announced its demise. Duty manager Conner Bray was quoted by Stuff as saying, "We were sitting in our group chat last night saying ‘this is getting out of hand – it's at 400 comments’ and then someone only an hour later said ‘it’s at 2000 comments".

End of an era for Bernadino sparkling wine, here is all you need to know

Dozens of people in Cambodia recently died after drinking toxic home-brewed alcohol. A man named Prom Vannak, who was 50 years old, had some wine for his uncle's funeral.

Dozens of people in Cambodia recently died after drinking toxic home-brewed alcohol. A man named Prom Vannak, who was 50 years old, had some wine for his uncle's funeral. After drinking the wine, he felt very tired and his eyes felt drowsy. By the evening, Vannak had started shaking and violently throwing up. When his wife tried to persuade her husband to go to the local hospital he refused, saying he just needed rest. The following morning he was dead. Also Read | US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning' His wife, Hun Pheap, was quoted by BBC saying, "He opened his mouth to try to send a message to his mother and children. His tears were falling, he was passing away. He could only open his mouth but could not talk". Vannak is not the only one who died after having the drink. More than 50 others were hospitalised. Also, two people from the village died after drinking from the same batch. The case of mass poisoning led to at least 30 deaths. A total of 13 people died in Pursat province at the start of June, and at least 12 people lost their lives in Kandal on 10 May. Jonathan Padwe, an anthropologist who has worked in the country, was quoted by BBC saying, "Since the mid-1990s, when I started working in Cambodia, the situation has been pretty constant, with home distillers operating ramshackle stills inside their houses or shops, and selling this home-produced rice whiskey to their neighbours". Various tests conducted on the funeral batch showed that to raise the drink's potency, had resulted in deadly levels of methanol. Methanol is a alcohol commonly used for various industrial purposes, including as a solvent in ink, dyes and varnishes. It is often added to increase the content in alcoholic drinks for profit reasons, especially in low-income countries like Cambodia. To cope up with the issue, at least 15 rice wine brewers and sellers have been arrested. As per the Cambodian police, the health ministry has called for people to avoid drinking contaminated alcohol. Also, n Pursat, officials have banned the production and sale of rice and herbal wines. The district where Thnong village is situated has temporarily banned the production, import and export, and distribution of rice wine.

Various killed in Cambodian village due to a bad batch of rice wine

Australia&nbsp;is lodging a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization over China's imposition of anti-dumping duties on Australian wine exports, the government announced Saturday.

The decision "to defend&nbsp;Australia's winemakers" follows a separate Australian WTO action protesting Chinese tariffs on Australian barley and is in line with the government's "support for the rules-based trading system", it said in a statement.

But it added that "Australia&nbsp;remains open to engaging directly with China to resolve this issue".

The move is the latest incident in an escalating tussle between&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and its largest trading partner and follows warnings by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that his government will respond to countries trying to use "economic coercion" against it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/massive-online-outages-in-recent-internet-history-392336">Also Read |&nbsp;Massive online outages in recent internet history</a>

The action also came just a week after a summit of the G7 grouping of advanced economies echoed&nbsp;Australia's call for a tougher stand against China's trade practices and its more assertive stance globally.

Beijing has imposed tough economic sanctions on a range of Australian products in recent months, including imposing tariffs or using disruptive practices across several agricultural sectors, coal, wine and tourism.

Many in Canberra believe the measures are punishment for pushing back against Beijing's operations to impose influence in&nbsp;Australia, rejecting Chinese investment in sensitive areas and publicly calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

The G7 summit ended on June 12 with the announcement of US-led plans to counter China's trillion-dollar "Belt and Road Initiative", the hallmark of its efforts to extend economic influence around the world.

The grouping promised hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure investment for low- and middle-income countries in a "Build Back Better World" (B3W) project.

The B3W was seen as aimed squarely at competing with China's efforts, which has been widely criticised for saddling small countries with unmanageable debt.&nbsp;

Morrison attended the summit as part of a G7 plus formula that also brought in the leaders of South Korea, South Africa and India, and made clear he would push the other nations for joint action against China's aggressive trade policies.

"The most practical way to address economic coercion is the restoration of the global trading body's binding dispute-settlement system," he said in a speech just ahead of the summit.

"Where there are no consequences for coercive behaviour, there is little incentive for restraint," he said.

Morrison has received explicit backing in his government's confrontation with China from the US as well as from French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Paris following the G7 meeting.

Australia is lodging a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization over China's imposition of anti-dumping duties on Australian wine exports, the government announced Saturday.

Australia is lodging a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization over China's imposition of anti-dumping duties on Australian wine exports, the government announced Saturday. The decision "to defend Australia's winemakers" follows a separate Australian WTO action protesting Chinese tariffs on Australian barley and is in line with the government's "support for the rules-based trading system", it said in a statement. But it added that "Australia remains open to engaging directly with China to resolve this issue". The move is the latest incident in an escalating tussle between Australia and its largest trading partner and follows warnings by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that his government will respond to countries trying to use "economic coercion" against it. Also Read | Massive online outages in recent internet history The action also came just a week after a summit of the G7 grouping of advanced economies echoed Australia's call for a tougher stand against China's trade practices and its more assertive stance globally. Beijing has imposed tough economic sanctions on a range of Australian products in recent months, including imposing tariffs or using disruptive practices across several agricultural sectors, coal, wine and tourism. Many in Canberra believe the measures are punishment for pushing back against Beijing's operations to impose influence in Australia, rejecting Chinese investment in sensitive areas and publicly calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. The G7 summit ended on June 12 with the announcement of US-led plans to counter China's trillion-dollar "Belt and Road Initiative", the hallmark of its efforts to extend economic influence around the world. The grouping promised hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure investment for low- and middle-income countries in a "Build Back Better World" (B3W) project. The B3W was seen as aimed squarely at competing with China's efforts, which has been widely criticised for saddling small countries with unmanageable debt. Morrison attended the summit as part of a G7 plus formula that also brought in the leaders of South Korea, South Africa and India, and made clear he would push the other nations for joint action against China's aggressive trade policies. "The most practical way to address economic coercion is the restoration of the global trading body's binding dispute-settlement system," he said in a speech just ahead of the summit. "Where there are no consequences for coercive behaviour, there is little incentive for restraint," he said. Morrison has received explicit backing in his government's confrontation with China from the US as well as from French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Paris following the G7 meeting.

Australia taking China to WTO over wine duties

If a bottle of Petrus 2000 that Christie's is selling tastes out of this world it might be because it aged for 14 months aboard the International Space Station.

Christie's hopes the bottle, now up for grabs in a private sale, will fetch $1 million, which would make it the most expensive wine ever sold.

The bottle is one of a batch of 12 that European startup Space Cargo Unlimited sent into orbit as part of research into how food and drink matures in space.

The wine spent almost 440 days in space, or the equivalent of 300 trips to the Moon, Space Cargo Unlimited Nicolas Gaume said in a press release.

It left for the ISS on November 2, 2019 in a spacecraft known as a Cygnus capsule and returned on January 14, 2021 aboard a Dragon capsule manufactured by Elon Musk's SpaceX.

Tests carried out in March by a wine science institute in Bordeaux found that the bottles "positively endured all the constraints of preparation, travel, and storage on the ISS," Christie's said in its press release.

At the end of a blind tasting, the researchers noted "remarkable differences in the colour, aroma and taste components," between the celestial bottles and equivalents which had remained on earth.

"The wines sampled were commended for their complexity and considered to be great wines," Christie's added.

The sale is expected to smash the record price for a standard 750 ml bottle of wine.

The most expensive was a 1945 Romanee-Conti Burgundy which sold at Sotheby's in New York for $558,000 in 2018.

The private sale means the buyer and price will remain confidential unless the buyer chooses to identify themselves publicly.

Proceeds will go towards funding future space missions focused on agricultural research.

Petrus, from the Pomerol region near Bordeaux, is considered one of the world's finest wines. A classic bottle of Petrus 2000, considered a great vintage, currently sells for around 4,500 euros ($5,400).

If a bottle of Petrus 2000 that Christie's is selling tastes out of this world it might be because it aged for 14 months aboard the International Space Station. Christie's hopes the bottle, now up for grabs in a private sale, will fetch $1 million, which would make it the most expensive wine ever sold.

If a bottle of Petrus 2000 that Christie's is selling tastes out of this world it might be because it aged for 14 months aboard the International Space Station. Christie's hopes the bottle, now up for grabs in a private sale, will fetch $1 million, which would make it the most expensive wine ever sold. The bottle is one of a batch of 12 that European startup Space Cargo Unlimited sent into orbit as part of research into how food and drink matures in space. The wine spent almost 440 days in space, or the equivalent of 300 trips to the Moon, Space Cargo Unlimited Nicolas Gaume said in a press release. It left for the ISS on November 2, 2019 in a spacecraft known as a Cygnus capsule and returned on January 14, 2021 aboard a Dragon capsule manufactured by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Tests carried out in March by a wine science institute in Bordeaux found that the bottles "positively endured all the constraints of preparation, travel, and storage on the ISS," Christie's said in its press release. At the end of a blind tasting, the researchers noted "remarkable differences in the colour, aroma and taste components," between the celestial bottles and equivalents which had remained on earth. "The wines sampled were commended for their complexity and considered to be great wines," Christie's added. The sale is expected to smash the record price for a standard 750 ml bottle of wine. The most expensive was a 1945 Romanee-Conti Burgundy which sold at Sotheby's in New York for $558,000 in 2018. The private sale means the buyer and price will remain confidential unless the buyer chooses to identify themselves publicly. Proceeds will go towards funding future space missions focused on agricultural research. Petrus, from the Pomerol region near Bordeaux, is considered one of the world's finest wines. A classic bottle of Petrus 2000, considered a great vintage, currently sells for around 4,500 euros ($5,400).

Space aged: wine matured aboard ISS expected to sell for $1mn

Pictures: With smelling abilities hit by COVID-19, wine testers fear the loss of livelihood

Australia has threatened to take an action against China over its "unjustifiable" decision to hike duties on wine imports for up to five years.

"We will be looking at next steps, and those next steps will include looking at taking this matter to the World Trade Organisation," Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan said on Saturday.

In the latest salvo between Beijing and Canberra, China's commerce ministry announced levies ranging from 116.2 per cent to 218.4 per cent would be slapped on Australian wine imports from Sunday.

Tehan, to this end, said the tariffs meant it was "basically impossible" for their wine to be competitive in the Chinese market.

"This decision which has been taken by the Chinese government is extremely disappointing and completely unjustifiable," Tehan told reporters in Melbourne.

On Friday, the Chinese commerce ministry said it was imposing the duties after an investigation found "dumping and subsidies on imported wines" from Australia impacted the Chinese market.

Wine exports to China hit a record A$1.3 billion (US$900 million) in 2019, according to Australian government data, making it the biggest market by value for the product.

Late last year, Australia also called for the WTO to investigate Chinese tariffs on barley imports, following a series of economic sanctions or disruptions to Australian products to China's vast market.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have reached their lowest since the deadly 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking in Sydney, accused Beijing of using the tariffs as "retaliation". He added Australia stood with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after China imposed sanctions on several people in the UK and EU over their vocal support for the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang, where Beijing is accused of abuses.

Australia has threatened to take an action against China over its "unjustifiable" decision to hike duties on wine imports for up to five years. "We will be looking at next steps, and those next steps will include looking at taking this matter to the World Trade Organisation," Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan said on Saturday.

Australia has threatened to take an action against China over its "unjustifiable" decision to hike duties on wine imports for up to five years. "We will be looking at next steps, and those next steps will include looking at taking this matter to the World Trade Organisation," Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan said on Saturday. In the latest salvo between Beijing and Canberra, China's commerce ministry announced levies ranging from 116.2 per cent to 218.4 per cent would be slapped on Australian wine imports from Sunday. Tehan, to this end, said the tariffs meant it was "basically impossible" for their wine to be competitive in the Chinese market. "This decision which has been taken by the Chinese government is extremely disappointing and completely unjustifiable," Tehan told reporters in Melbourne. On Friday, the Chinese commerce ministry said it was imposing the duties after an investigation found "dumping and subsidies on imported wines" from Australia impacted the Chinese market. Wine exports to China hit a record A$1.3 billion (US$900 million) in 2019, according to Australian government data, making it the biggest market by value for the product. Late last year, Australia also called for the WTO to investigate Chinese tariffs on barley imports, following a series of economic sanctions or disruptions to Australian products to China's vast market. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have reached their lowest since the deadly 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking in Sydney, accused Beijing of using the tariffs as "retaliation". He added Australia stood with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after China imposed sanctions on several people in the UK and EU over their vocal support for the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang, where Beijing is accused of abuses.

Australia threatens WTO action as China hikes duty on wine

A team of researchers in Bordeaux are analysing a dozen of bottles of French wine which have returned to Earth after spending a year at the International Space Station.

In a bid to make plants on Earth more resilient to climate change and diseases by exposing them to new stresses, the mission was set up to better understand the aging process, fermentation, and bubbles in the wine.

After their return to the Earth, the wine bottles were sampled by 12 connoisseurs. The experts tasted the 5,000 euro (£4,312) bottle of Chateau Petrus Pomerol blindfolded, along with another bottle from the same vintage, procured from a cellar.

"I have tears in my eyes," said Nicolas Gaume, CEO and co-founder of the company that had organised the experiment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-does-fine-wine-still-taste-fine-after-a-space-voyage-373201">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-does-fine-wine-still-taste-fine-after-a-space-voyage-373201/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This tasting took place at the Institute for Wine and Vine Research in Bordeaux.

"When you expose wine, when you expose cells, plants to an environment without gravity... we create tremendous stress on any living species," he said.

One of the experts present at the tasting said the wine poured from the bottle in the cellar tasted a tad younger than the one which had traveled to space.

The experts of chemical and biological analysis of the wine's aging process might be able to find a way to artificially age fine vintages, as per the experts.

In this experiment, hundreds of snippets of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines survived the space journey and also grew faster than the vines on the Earth.

However, the researchers have not been able to figure out the reason behind this development yet.

Experts also noted that grapes are very healthy for astronauts. "For me, the difference between the space and the earth wine... it wasn't easy to define," said Franck Dubourdieu, a Bordeaux-based agronomist and oenologist, an expert in the study of wine and wine-making.

A team of researchers in Bordeaux are analysing a dozen of bottles of French wine which have returned to Earth after spending a year at the International Space Station.

A team of researchers in Bordeaux are analysing a dozen of bottles of French wine which have returned to Earth after spending a year at the International Space Station. In a bid to make plants on Earth more resilient to climate change and diseases by exposing them to new stresses, the mission was set up to better understand the aging process, fermentation, and bubbles in the wine. After their return to the Earth, the wine bottles were sampled by 12 connoisseurs. The experts tasted the 5,000 euro (£4,312) bottle of Chateau Petrus Pomerol blindfolded, along with another bottle from the same vintage, procured from a cellar. "I have tears in my eyes," said Nicolas Gaume, CEO and co-founder of the company that had organised the experiment. Watch | This tasting took place at the Institute for Wine and Vine Research in Bordeaux. "When you expose wine, when you expose cells, plants to an environment without gravity... we create tremendous stress on any living species," he said. One of the experts present at the tasting said the wine poured from the bottle in the cellar tasted a tad younger than the one which had traveled to space. The experts of chemical and biological analysis of the wine's aging process might be able to find a way to artificially age fine vintages, as per the experts. In this experiment, hundreds of snippets of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines survived the space journey and also grew faster than the vines on the Earth. However, the researchers have not been able to figure out the reason behind this development yet. Experts also noted that grapes are very healthy for astronauts. "For me, the difference between the space and the earth wine... it wasn't easy to define," said Franck Dubourdieu, a Bordeaux-based agronomist and oenologist, an expert in the study of wine and wine-making.

Connoisseurs taste £4,000 bottle of wine that traveled to space

After spending a year at the International Space Station, a batch of grapevines returned to earth for a tasting session in Bourdeaux. Can the wine tasters differentiate between the space-aged wine and the one aged on earth? WION's Palki Sharma tells you the story.

Gravitas: Does fine wine still taste fine after a space voyage?

Chrissy Teigen once accidentally spent $13,000 on a bottle of wine that she says 'sucked'.

The former model and cookbook writer paid $13,000 for a bottle of Cabernet and talked about it to her followers on Twitter.

Teigen, who has now been sober for several months, posted a tweet asking her followers, "what's the most expensive thing you've eaten that you thought sucked?" She then went on to narrate her own unfortunate experience.

According to Teigen, a waiter recommended a "nice Cabernet" to Teigen and her husband, John Legend. The couple was in for a surprise when they received the bill.

"We got the bill and it was 13,000 dollars. HOW DO U CASUALLY RECOMMEND THAT WINE," Teigen wrote. 
 
&nbsp;

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one time john and I were at a restaurant and the waiter recommended a nice Cabernet. We got the bill and it was 13,000 dollars. HOW DO U CASUALLY RECOMMEND THAT WINE. we didn’t even finish it and it had been cleared!!!
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrissyteigen/status/1357037821790285824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Teigen became a trending topic on Wednesday after Twitter users called her "insensitive" and many others made fun of her wealth.&nbsp; 
 
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me, sharing story of getting screwed over by a waiter. shares story of rough week, baby would have been born. feeling anxious, sad. you: let's fucking own this rich bitch for retweets
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrissyteigen/status/1357062852150915072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Teigen pushed back against the critical tweets, saying "not everything I say on my Twitter is going to be relatable to you." She also pointed out that the backlash was happening at the same time she announced her late baby Jack would have been born this week.

Chrissy Teigen once accidentally spent $13,000 on a bottle of wine that she says 'sucked'. The former model and cookbook writer paid $13,000 for a bottle of Cabernet and talked about it to her followers on Twitter.

Chrissy Teigen once accidentally spent $13,000 on a bottle of wine that she says 'sucked'. The former model and cookbook writer paid $13,000 for a bottle of Cabernet and talked about it to her followers on Twitter. Teigen, who has now been sober for several months, posted a tweet asking her followers, "what's the most expensive thing you've eaten that you thought sucked?" She then went on to narrate her own unfortunate experience. According to Teigen, a waiter recommended a "nice Cabernet" to Teigen and her husband, John Legend. The couple was in for a surprise when they received the bill. "We got the bill and it was 13,000 dollars. HOW DO U CASUALLY RECOMMEND THAT WINE," Teigen wrote. one time john and I were at a restaurant and the waiter recommended a nice Cabernet. We got the bill and it was 13,000 dollars. HOW DO U CASUALLY RECOMMEND THAT WINE. we didn’t even finish it and it had been cleared!!! — chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) February 3, 2021 × Teigen became a trending topic on Wednesday after Twitter users called her "insensitive" and many others made fun of her wealth. me, sharing story of getting screwed over by a waiter. shares story of rough week, baby would have been born. feeling anxious, sad. you: let's fucking own this rich bitch for retweets — chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) February 3, 2021 × Teigen pushed back against the critical tweets, saying "not everything I say on my Twitter is going to be relatable to you." She also pointed out that the backlash was happening at the same time she announced her late baby Jack would have been born this week.

Chrissy Teigen talks about the time she 'accidentally' spent $13,000 on a bottle of wine

Including more wine and cheese, in diet, may help reduce cognitive decline, suggest the findings of a new study.&nbsp;Daily consumption of alcohol, particularly red wine, is related to improvements in cognitive function. Weekly consumption of lamb improves long-term cognitive prowess. 
 
&nbsp;Excessive consumption of salt is bad, but only individuals already at risk for Alzheimer`s Disease may need to watch their intake to avoid cognitive problems over time.These are some of the most significant findings of a study by Iowa State University, highlighted in an article published in the Journal of Alzheimer`s Disease. 
 
The study, spearheaded by principal investigator Auriel Willette, an Assistant Professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, and Brandon Klinedinst, a neuroscience PhD candidate, is a first-of-its-kind large scale analysis that connects specific foods to later-in-life cognitive acuity. 
 
Willette, Klinedinst and their team analysed data collected from 1,787 ageing adults (46 to 77 years of age) in the United Kingdom through the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing in-depth genetic and health information from half-a-million participants. The database is globally accessible to approved researchers undertaking vital research into the world`s most common and life-threatening diseases. 
 
Participants completed a Fluid Intelligence Test (FIT) through touchscreen questionnaire at baseline (compiled between 2006 and 2010) and then in two follow-up assessments (conducted from 2012 through 2013 and again between 2015 and 2016). The FIT analysis provides an in-time snapshot of an individual`s ability to "think on the fly."Participants also answered questions about their food and alcohol consumption at baseline and through two follow-up assessments. 
 
The Food Frequency Questionnaire asked the participants about their intake of fresh fruit, dried fruit, raw vegetables and salad, cooked vegetables, oily fish, lean fish, processed meat, poultry, beef, lamb, pork, cheese, bread, cereal, tea and coffee, beer, cider, red wine, white wine, champagne and other forms of liquor."I was pleasantly surprised that our results suggest that responsibly eating cheese and drinking red wine daily are not just good for helping us cope with our current COVID-19 pandemic, but perhaps also dealing with an increasingly complex world that never seems to slow down," Willette said. "While we took into account whether this was just due to what well-off people eat and drink, randomised clinical trials are needed to determine if making easy changes in our diet could help our brains in significant ways. 
 
"Klinedinst added depending on their genetic factors, some individuals seem to be more protected from the effects of Alzheimer`s, while others seem to be at greater risk. "That said, I believe the right food choices can prevent the disease and cognitive decline altogether. Perhaps the silver bullet we`re looking for is upgrading how we eat. Knowing what that entails contributes to a better understanding of Alzheimer`s and put this disease in a reverse trajectory."&nbsp;

Including more wine and cheese, in diet, may help reduce cognitive decline, suggest the findings of a new study. Daily consumption of alcohol, particularly red wine, is related to improvements in cognitive function.

Including more wine and cheese, in diet, may help reduce cognitive decline, suggest the findings of a new study. Daily consumption of alcohol, particularly red wine, is related to improvements in cognitive function. Weekly consumption of lamb improves long-term cognitive prowess. Excessive consumption of salt is bad, but only individuals already at risk for Alzheimer`s Disease may need to watch their intake to avoid cognitive problems over time.These are some of the most significant findings of a study by Iowa State University, highlighted in an article published in the Journal of Alzheimer`s Disease. The study, spearheaded by principal investigator Auriel Willette, an Assistant Professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, and Brandon Klinedinst, a neuroscience PhD candidate, is a first-of-its-kind large scale analysis that connects specific foods to later-in-life cognitive acuity. Willette, Klinedinst and their team analysed data collected from 1,787 ageing adults (46 to 77 years of age) in the United Kingdom through the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing in-depth genetic and health information from half-a-million participants. The database is globally accessible to approved researchers undertaking vital research into the world`s most common and life-threatening diseases. Participants completed a Fluid Intelligence Test (FIT) through touchscreen questionnaire at baseline (compiled between 2006 and 2010) and then in two follow-up assessments (conducted from 2012 through 2013 and again between 2015 and 2016). The FIT analysis provides an in-time snapshot of an individual`s ability to "think on the fly."Participants also answered questions about their food and alcohol consumption at baseline and through two follow-up assessments. The Food Frequency Questionnaire asked the participants about their intake of fresh fruit, dried fruit, raw vegetables and salad, cooked vegetables, oily fish, lean fish, processed meat, poultry, beef, lamb, pork, cheese, bread, cereal, tea and coffee, beer, cider, red wine, white wine, champagne and other forms of liquor."I was pleasantly surprised that our results suggest that responsibly eating cheese and drinking red wine daily are not just good for helping us cope with our current COVID-19 pandemic, but perhaps also dealing with an increasingly complex world that never seems to slow down," Willette said. "While we took into account whether this was just due to what well-off people eat and drink, randomised clinical trials are needed to determine if making easy changes in our diet could help our brains in significant ways. "Klinedinst added depending on their genetic factors, some individuals seem to be more protected from the effects of Alzheimer`s, while others seem to be at greater risk. "That said, I believe the right food choices can prevent the disease and cognitive decline altogether. Perhaps the silver bullet we`re looking for is upgrading how we eat. Knowing what that entails contributes to a better understanding of Alzheimer`s and put this disease in a reverse trajectory."

Including cheese in diet may help reduce cognitive decline: Study

The Golan Heights Winery, which grows its grapes on the plateau that Israel captured from Syria in a 1967 war, will display its bottles on shelves in Dubai this week, the Israeli company said.

The sale of Golan wine in Dubai, and soon after elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates, follows a normalisation in relations reached between the UAE and Israel last month.

The UAE foreign and economy ministries did not respond to requests for comment on the wine deal. The Gulf state has described the Golan as Syrian territory, and along with the international community did not recognise Israel’s annexation of the area in 1981.

Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, which Israel captured in a 1967 war. The UAE said at the time the U.S. move “disrupts all efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East”.

The Golan Heights wine brands - Yarden, Gamla and Mount Hermon - will be sold through African + Eastern (A&amp;E), one of the largest importers of alcohol in the Gulf, Golan Heights Winery said in a statement.

The wines will be available in hotels, restaurants and retail alcohol stores. In the UAE only non-Muslims are legally allowed to drink.

Kosher wine from South Africa is already sold in the UAE but this will be the first Israeli-made wine in the Gulf state.

The Golan winery is targeting the wave of Israeli and Jewish tourists expected to visit the UAE as well as other tourists and locals who are allowed to consume alcohol.

“This is an historic launch and we expect a successful and long-term collaboration with the Golan Heights Winery,” A&amp;E CEO Jason Dixon said in the statement.

Golan Heights Winery CEO Yair Shapira said the UAE was a market “with interesting and unique potential”. He said his firm would “open the gate” and introduce UAE residents and guests to the Israeli wine industry.

The Golan Heights Winery, which grows its grapes on the plateau that Israel captured from Syria in a 1967 war, will display its bottles on shelves in Dubai this week, the Israeli company said.

The Golan Heights Winery, which grows its grapes on the plateau that Israel captured from Syria in a 1967 war, will display its bottles on shelves in Dubai this week, the Israeli company said. The sale of Golan wine in Dubai, and soon after elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates, follows a normalisation in relations reached between the UAE and Israel last month. The UAE foreign and economy ministries did not respond to requests for comment on the wine deal. The Gulf state has described the Golan as Syrian territory, and along with the international community did not recognise Israel’s annexation of the area in 1981. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, which Israel captured in a 1967 war. The UAE said at the time the U.S. move “disrupts all efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East”. The Golan Heights wine brands - Yarden, Gamla and Mount Hermon - will be sold through African + Eastern (A&E), one of the largest importers of alcohol in the Gulf, Golan Heights Winery said in a statement. The wines will be available in hotels, restaurants and retail alcohol stores. In the UAE only non-Muslims are legally allowed to drink. Kosher wine from South Africa is already sold in the UAE but this will be the first Israeli-made wine in the Gulf state. The Golan winery is targeting the wave of Israeli and Jewish tourists expected to visit the UAE as well as other tourists and locals who are allowed to consume alcohol. “This is an historic launch and we expect a successful and long-term collaboration with the Golan Heights Winery,” A&E CEO Jason Dixon said in the statement. Golan Heights Winery CEO Yair Shapira said the UAE was a market “with interesting and unique potential”. He said his firm would “open the gate” and introduce UAE residents and guests to the Israeli wine industry.

Wine from Israeli-held Golan Heights to hit Dubai shelves

Faced with sluggish sales to top export markets, virtually no foreign tourists, and decreasing restaurant sales due to COVID-19, Australian wineries are increasingly looking to locals to secure their livelihoods as coronavirus curbs ease.

With overseas holidays out of bounds, locals are hitting cellar doors - or the part of the winery where visitors can sample drinks - like never before, said vintners in the Hunter Valley wine region, 160 km (100 miles) north of Sydney.

“As far as our average sale is concerned, that has doubled (in recent months),” said Bruce Tyrrell, managing director of Tyrrell’s Wines, adding they adapted their wine tasting service to comply with social distancing rules.

It comes as exports to China, which buys 40% of Australia’s wine exports, have been hit by worsening diplomatic relations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, top Australian winemakers have reported profit slumps in the United States as they have had to heavily discount products to compete in a market where supply is outstripping coronavirus-hit demand.

Australian wine exports declined 1% to A$2.84 billion ($2.02 billion) in the twelve months to June after several years of rapid growth, according to government-backed industry body Wine Australia.

This was led by a sharp slowdown in Australia’s sales to China over the same period - up only 0.7% versus the previous year’s 18% growth - while exports to the United States fell 0.4%.

Local appetite for wine meanwhile has risen sharply, with domestic sales up 7.1% to A$4.9 billion for the year to August, according to market researcher IRI.

Colin Peterson, director of Petersons Wines, said cellar door sales and China exports both dived during the shutdowns of early 2020, but now customers were “sick of being locked up so our sales are going up”.

“I don’t think it will make up for what we lost in that 12 week period but we’re certainly well on the way to getting back to where we were,” he said.

Savannah Peterson, the winemaker at Savannah Estate Wines, said her cellar door had seen a 200% spike in sales since lockdowns in the region eased in mid-2020.

“It’s really good to be able to support in our own backyard and give all of those producers as much of our support as we can,” said local tourist Ben Sweeten during a visit to Savannah Estate Wines.

Faced with sluggish sales to top export markets, virtually no foreign tourists, and decreasing restaurant sales due to COVID-19, Australian wineries are increasingly looking to locals to secure their livelihoods as coronavirus curbs ease.

Faced with sluggish sales to top export markets, virtually no foreign tourists, and decreasing restaurant sales due to COVID-19, Australian wineries are increasingly looking to locals to secure their livelihoods as coronavirus curbs ease. With overseas holidays out of bounds, locals are hitting cellar doors - or the part of the winery where visitors can sample drinks - like never before, said vintners in the Hunter Valley wine region, 160 km (100 miles) north of Sydney. “As far as our average sale is concerned, that has doubled (in recent months),” said Bruce Tyrrell, managing director of Tyrrell’s Wines, adding they adapted their wine tasting service to comply with social distancing rules. It comes as exports to China, which buys 40% of Australia’s wine exports, have been hit by worsening diplomatic relations during the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, top Australian winemakers have reported profit slumps in the United States as they have had to heavily discount products to compete in a market where supply is outstripping coronavirus-hit demand. Australian wine exports declined 1% to A$2.84 billion ($2.02 billion) in the twelve months to June after several years of rapid growth, according to government-backed industry body Wine Australia. This was led by a sharp slowdown in Australia’s sales to China over the same period - up only 0.7% versus the previous year’s 18% growth - while exports to the United States fell 0.4%. Local appetite for wine meanwhile has risen sharply, with domestic sales up 7.1% to A$4.9 billion for the year to August, according to market researcher IRI. Colin Peterson, director of Petersons Wines, said cellar door sales and China exports both dived during the shutdowns of early 2020, but now customers were “sick of being locked up so our sales are going up”. “I don’t think it will make up for what we lost in that 12 week period but we’re certainly well on the way to getting back to where we were,” he said. Savannah Peterson, the winemaker at Savannah Estate Wines, said her cellar door had seen a 200% spike in sales since lockdowns in the region eased in mid-2020. “It’s really good to be able to support in our own backyard and give all of those producers as much of our support as we can,” said local tourist Ben Sweeten during a visit to Savannah Estate Wines.

Australian winemakers look past China, US woes and toast the home market

Tens of thousands of Californians fled their homes in the Napa and Sonoma wine regions in the face of wildfires, as a new blaze in the north of the state killed three people.

To this end, some of Napa Valley's best-known vineyards were consumed by an out-of-control blaze that raced through more than 35,000 acres (14,000 hectares), according to state fire agency Cal Fire.

Celebrated wineries such as Chateau Boswell and part of Castello di Amorosa went up in smoke.

There was also a "significant loss" of buildings on the fringes of Santa Rosa -- neighbouring Sonoma County's largest town -- said fire chief Tony Gossner.

Around 200 miles (320 kilometers) north, three people perished in a "very fast-moving, very fluid, very hot" fire in Shasta County, said Sheriff Eric Magrini.

The fires prompted authorities to order more than 35,000 residents to evacuate, with thousands more poised to flee, as "explosive fire growth" burnt through dry vegetation and difficult mountainous terrain, officials said.

<img alt="Napa valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70677d46-7dff-414e-b533-185b903d1a7b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NAPA%20valley2.jpg" />

The causes of the fires are still being investigated.

Calistoga, a picturesque community at the top of the Napa Valley known for hot springs and as a launchpad for wine tours, has largely been evacuated.

California governor Gavin Newsom -- who blames the severity of recent blazes on climate change -- said winds were expected to stabilise overnight, which should help firefighters.

<img alt="Napa valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="403fc9a6-481c-40d4-931f-edbc883fef26" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NAPA%20valley3.jpg" />

The new conflagrations come during a record season, with five of the state's six biggest wildfires in history currently burning.

The Zogg Fire, which has already torn through more than 30,000 acres, is expected to merge with the 900,000-acre August Complex fire.

Evacuations have been complicated by the coronavirus, which has hit the Golden State hard. Hotels and university accommodation are being used as alternatives to mass shelters.

Tens of thousands of Californians fled their homes in the Napa and Sonoma wine regions in the face of wildfires, as a new blaze in the north of the state killed three people.

Tens of thousands of Californians fled their homes in the Napa and Sonoma wine regions in the face of wildfires, as a new blaze in the north of the state killed three people. To this end, some of Napa Valley's best-known vineyards were consumed by an out-of-control blaze that raced through more than 35,000 acres (14,000 hectares), according to state fire agency Cal Fire. Celebrated wineries such as Chateau Boswell and part of Castello di Amorosa went up in smoke. There was also a "significant loss" of buildings on the fringes of Santa Rosa -- neighbouring Sonoma County's largest town -- said fire chief Tony Gossner. Around 200 miles (320 kilometers) north, three people perished in a "very fast-moving, very fluid, very hot" fire in Shasta County, said Sheriff Eric Magrini. The fires prompted authorities to order more than 35,000 residents to evacuate, with thousands more poised to flee, as "explosive fire growth" burnt through dry vegetation and difficult mountainous terrain, officials said. The causes of the fires are still being investigated. Calistoga, a picturesque community at the top of the Napa Valley known for hot springs and as a launchpad for wine tours, has largely been evacuated. California governor Gavin Newsom -- who blames the severity of recent blazes on climate change -- said winds were expected to stabilise overnight, which should help firefighters. The new conflagrations come during a record season, with five of the state's six biggest wildfires in history currently burning. The Zogg Fire, which has already torn through more than 30,000 acres, is expected to merge with the 900,000-acre August Complex fire. Evacuations have been complicated by the coronavirus, which has hit the Golden State hard. Hotels and university accommodation are being used as alternatives to mass shelters.

Famed wine regions in California destroyed by wildfires; thousands flee

The vineyards of the Paris region, once the most important in the country, are rising from the ashes. "The wine-growing revival in Ile-de-France is a joy", rejoices the president of the Ile-de-France Winegrowers' Union.

Paris: Vineyards in Ile-de-France witness revival

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