Edition of February 13, 2026

Daniel Cathiard Dies at 81; Turned Bordeaux Estate Into Champion Winery

Daniel Cathiard died at 81 after transforming Château Smith Haut Lafitte into a leading Bordeaux estate and champion winery.

Source: nytimes.com Château Smith Haut Lafitte Estates and People

A European support plan for the wine sector

MEPs approved an EU support plan for the wine sector in crisis, allowing more flexibility for vine-pull measures and encouraging development of no-alcohol wine. The text follows a prior agreement between the European Parliament and EU member states reached in early December.

Source: terredevins.com The CrisisThe New Bordeaux

Fine wine in 2025: a game of two halves?

According to thedrinksbusiness.com, the fine wine market ended 2025 with total trade value down 5.8% from 2024, while trade volumes rose 7.2%. Major Liv-ex indices increased for 3 consecutive months from September.

Source: thedrinksbusiness.com The Fine Wine MarketThe New Bordeaux

Trade war drags down wine and spirits exports

French wine and spirits exports fell 8% in value in 2025 amid geopolitical and trade tensions. New US tariffs and rising trade barriers are highlighted as major drivers of the downturn.

Source: terredevins.com The CrisisTrade and Tariffs