China is set to come to prominence as a wine producing region following the ongoing ramifications of global warming. This was one of the messages that emerged from Dr Richard Smart’s talk on ‘global warming and its impact on vines and viticulture’ at the Climate Change and Wine Conference in Barcelona today (February 15).

Smart, who is a leading global consultant on viticulture methods, said: “In 30 years time, China will be a country better able to adapt to global warming.”

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58% of the British public agree that they are more likely to choose one retailer over another if they know it takes its social and environmental responsibilities seriously.*

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It seems that nothing is sacred in these green times. A shortage in cork led to screw top and synthetic corks and now with carbon footprint the topic of the times we are seeing the first plastic wine bottles in the UK.

Sainsbury’s has announced that it is to trial plastic bottles next month. It will start with two own-brand and Wolf Blass, in plastic bottles shaped like conventional glass bottles, but at 54g, almost an eighth of the weight. The claim is that the move will reduce carbon emissions by cutting the weight of wine packaging and that twice the amount of wine will be able to be transported in each container. In addition to the environmental benefits they are positioned as safer to carry making them ideal for summer festivals, picnics and barbecues. However, if screw caps had wine buffs turning up their nose in displeasure this will surly have them spitting in disgust.

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Fetzer Vineyards has joined up with the Big Chill Festival to promote its green message in the UK.

The company said that it plans to push a sustainability and renewable energy message as well as provide refreshment at the Big Chill Festival, held next month in the Malvern Hills.

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