The worst spring frost since 1972 has taken its toll on Napa County, causing more than a million dollars in crop damage. Many growers have been running wind machines at full tilt, but night temperatures dipping have damaged some vineyards nonetheless. The frost may cut yields by 20% this year.  (Source: Decanter.com / Napavalleyregsiter.com)

An Italian producer has chosen to quit his AOC label, because he was forbidden to use screw caps for his wines. The grower considers that screw caps protect the freshness of his wines better and correspond to North-European consumers’ expectations. (Source: VSB)

Robert Mondavi, a visionary winemaker and brilliant marketer who helped lead California wine into international prominence, died on Friday May 16^th at home in Yountville, Calif. He was 94.Outspoken, energetic and charismatic, Mondavi was one of the most influential and admired winemakers in California history. He was the driving force behind his namesake winery in Napa Valley, which he established in 1966 and which for years was the most famous winery in California, until it was sold in 2004. (Source: Wine spectator)

The wine market in Tunisia is totally closed to foreign producers, which obviously favors Tunisian viticulture, 75% of the wines are made by the UCCV (Union Centrale des Coopératives Viticoles). Annual sales of Tunisian wines in Tunisia are estimated at some 30 million bottles. Demand is strong thanks to the 6 million tourists combined with an average per consumption of 2.2 liters. 55-70% of Tunisian wines produced are rosé, followed by reds which accounting for only 5-10% of production. (Source: EuroWine)

Russian vodka producer Synergy has acquired the Ukrainian vodka brand Myagkov from Locomir Enterprises for an undisclosed sum. The Myagkov brand sold 2.4m nine-litre cases in 2007, a rise of 13% over 2006 levels. Eighty per cent is sold in Russia and 20% in Ukraine. (Source: IWSR)

French women have become major players in the world of wine. They are definitely consumers in their own right -  45% of them drink wine – and are important customers – 78% of wines in supermarkets are actually bought by women. They are also taking over positions in the wine industry as oenologists, wine growers and sommeliers. And according to a recent study awaiting publication, the more a woman is in love, the more she likes wine! (Source: Le Figaro)

A Chinese firm purchased a Bordeaux château situated in the Entre-deux-Mers appellation. This 30 ha estate produces some 160 000 bottles a year of AOC Bordeaux-Bordeaux Superieur. Chinese investors have been attracted by the desire to take over a vineyard which they consider to be “one of the most prestigious in the world”. (Source: EuroWine)