The war in the Persian Gulf has already sent oil prices soaring and hit global supplies of natural gas and fertiliser - so how well cushioned is the wine industry? Costs of diesel, electricity, bottles and shipping are all going up for wine producers and importers. But some of the industry’s moves towards sustainability will help blunt the impact. We look at renewable energy and hear from Rathfinny Estate’s owner, Mark Driver, about how they’re using solar power to cut bills. We explore how bottles have got lighter, cutting energy use. And we look at how bulk shipping has cut the energy used to get a bottle of wine to your table.

Featured:

Rathfinny Estate, Sussex

Simpson’s Wine Estate, Kent

Gusbourne Estate, Kent

Mouchão, Portugal

Domaine Bousquet, Argentina

Rippon Vineyard, New Zealand

Andy’s book with Jane Masters MW is Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine http://bit.ly/4t7OKlV

Recommended wines:

Zuccardi Regiones Cabernet Franc

Speri Valpolicella and Valpolicella Superiore

Original music by Rosa Neather ⁠https://open.spotify.com/track/6U2rMSG1sTA3DAvYlXmE9f?si=Xh4HdR2nQhe6C79hYumNlw