According to the largest web-based community of travellers  TripAdvisor Media Network, which claims to have 7 million members, Bordeaux is a Top 10 destination for wine tourism ahead of the Napa Valley, Tuscany, Champagne, the Barossa Valley, Rioja and the vineyards of Chile, South Africa and New Zealand.

In the first half of 2008, 14,000 tourists visited the Bordeaux vineyards and tasted their wines, an increase of 21% compared to the same period in 2007. (Source: Objectif Aquitaine)

The revision of the Champagne production area from 33,000 to 37,000 hectares should result in 10 to 15% more bottles being brought to market. The change will not however take place before 2018. (Source: Rayon Boissons)

US group Constellation Wines has announced that it is going to install a solar energy system at its Gonzales Winery site in California. The project, which should be finished by the end of the year, will cover 170,000 sq. m of roofs and will be the largest installation of its type ever implemented on a winegrowing estate. (Source: VSB)

Exports of French wine by volume have fallen by almost 11% in the first eight months of 2008, according to Ubifrance. The drop is being attributed to the slowing worldwide economy and the strength of the euro against currencies including the dollar and sterling during the eight month period. In value terms exports rose by 5.73% to €4.2 billion. In regional terms Bordeaux volumes fell by 3.15% although the value of those exports rose by 37%, and the worst hit region was Burgundy, which fell by 12% in volume and 8% in value. (Source: Wine Business International.com) 

French wines, especially those from Burgundy, considered to be the ultimate expression of luxury and refinement, have an excellent image with Russian consumers. In 2007, Burgundy wine imports to Russia were estimated to represent 1.5 million bottles, a volume that is 2¹/₂ times larger than that in 2005. Sales turnover in Russia is thought to be at least €6.5 million, which makes Russia the twelfth largest market for Burgundy in terms of volume and value. (Source: Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne)

Chile’s VC Family Estates, which owns the Porta and Gracia wine labels, has announced a multi-million investment plan in Argentina.

Originally known as the Corpora Group, VC family Estates said it was buying a winery and a total of 300 hectares in the Rio Negro and Neuquen areas of Patagonia. The deal is worth €12m.

Jorge Goles, president of VC Family Estates told that their investment was likely to be part of a new wave of Chilean wine investment in Patagonia. He also said he wanted to become the leading producer of Pinot Noir in both Chile and Argentina. (Source: Decanter.com)

The sale of Château Montelena to the owner of Bordeaux’s Château Cos d’Estournel has collapsed. Chateau Montelena managing director Greg Ralston would not elaborate on the reason’s for the deal’s collapse. (Source: Decanter.com)