RIP Michel Rolland, California vineyards shrink, Method Oregon launched
20-03-2026 | 6 Min.
This week Sam discusses the death of Michel Rolland, the effect of rising oil prices on the wine industry, Argentina’s declining consumption, Germany’s changing export market, California’s shrinking vineyards, THC drinks in the US and Oregon’s new sparkling-wine producer organisation.
You can read the transcript of this newscast (with linked news sources) at https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/rip-michel-rolland-california-vineyards-shrink-method-oregon-launched.
*This episode misstates that Michel Rolland was 79 at the time of his death – he was 78.
Harvest starts down under; Jackson Family news, pruning by kayak, French co-ops in crisis
13-03-2026 | 5 Min.
This week Sam discusses flooding in Bordeaux and Victoria, Champagne’s emission reductions, the plight of two co-operatives in the Pyrénées-Orientales, Jackson Family’s recent closure and acquisition, gold mining in Victoria and the start of harvest in New Zealand and Australia.
You can read the transcript of this newscast (with linked news sources) at https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/harvest-starts-down-under-jackson-family-news-pruning-kayak-french-co-ops-crisis.
Flooding in Bordeaux and Victoria, bribery at Southern Glazer’s, tariff update
06-03-2026 | 6 Min.
This week Sam discusses Trump tariffs, flooding in Bordeaux and Victoria, lawsuits in France over copper fungicides, the complete buyout of Freixenet Cava by Germany’s Henkell group and bribery at Southern Glazer’s.
You can read the transcript of this newscast (with linked news sources) at https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/flooding-bordeaux-and-victoria-bribery-southern-glazers-tariff-update.
SCOTUS rules on tariffs, downsizing in the US and Spain's vineyard area shrinks
20-02-2026 | 6 Min.
This week Sam discusses this morning’s ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States, a laundry list of sales, closures and lay-offs in the US, the sale of Ridgeview Wine Estate in the UK, Wales hiking the minimum price of alcohol and Spain’s vineyard area dropping to the lowest level in 50 years.
You can read the transcript of this newscast (with linked news sources) at https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/scotus-rules-tariffs-downsizing-us-and-spains-vineyard-area-shrinks.
Floods hit Spain, Portugal, Italy, Monarch Tractor shuttered, early budbreak in California
13-02-2026 | 6 Min.
This week Sam discusses floods in Spain and Portugal, floods and landslides in southern Italy, the closing of Monarch Tractor, a trade deal for China and South Africa, French wine and spirits exports falling to their lowest level in 25 years, budbreak in California and a legal case in Australia.
You can read the transcript of this newscast (with linked news sources) at https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/floods-hit-spain-portugal-italy-monarch-tractor-shuttered-early-budbreak-california.
Join JancisRobinson.com's Senior Editor US, Samantha Cole-Johnson, as she walks you through the weekly events that are shaping the world of wine. Episodes include the latest data on wine industry performance, natural disasters, wine releases, taxes, protests and technology. To send Sam news tips, email her at [email protected].
For a transcript of each episode visit JancisRobinson.com.