Published every MondaySelection and commentary: Jean-Luc Kursner
Weekly review
Week 4426 October to 1 November 2026
What mattered for the wine market
The week's news, selected from the Swiss and international press and summarised for winegrowers, wineries and merchants.
01
RegulationGerman-speaking Switzerland
Sissach trial puts solar panels over vines, with results due by 2028
At Sissach (Basel-Landschaft), the Zelglihof has trialled solar panels over Muscaris vines since May 2026 with Ebenrain and FiBL: about 70 m² of panels, 12.3 kWp, over 250 m² of vines, in eight layouts. First season: 5.75 MWh generated and vines better shielded from heat. Measurements run to 2028, since open-field PV needs proven agricultural benefit.
Key takeawayWorth watching for growers and cellars exposed to heat, hail and frost; approval of such installations in Switzerland will hinge on proving a benefit for the vines.
Swiss Wine Vaud heads to Expovina Zurich, then Bern's Kursaal
Swiss Wine Vaud will be at Expovina, held on boats on Lake Zurich, from 29 October to 1 November 2026, pouring gold-medal wines from the 2026 Sélection des Vins Vaudois and new alcohol-free lines. On 9 November, 32 Vaud estates present their wines at the Kursaal in Bern, under the new Swiss Wine Vaud identity.
Key takeawayBuyers in German-speaking Switzerland, importers, wine merchants and restaurateurs get two chances, from 29 October, to taste the Vaud range and meet estates directly.
Neuchâtel wines at the Salon Suisse des Goûts et Terroirs in Bulle
Neuchâtel Vins et Terroir will have a stand at the Salon Suisse des Goûts et Terroirs, from 2 to 6 December 2026 at Espace Gruyère in Bulle. The canton's wines and artisan specialities will be shown and available to taste. The fair highlights regional produce and specialities.
Key takeawayFor Neuchâtel growers and buyers in French-speaking Switzerland, an end-of-year showcase to taste the canton's range.
DiVINes in Rolle: Swiss women winemakers' fair extends to three days
The sixth edition of the Swiss women winemakers' fair runs from 5 to 7 November 2026 at the Château de Rolle, now over three days. About fifty exhibitors from across Switzerland show their wines; last year roughly a thousand visitors attended. Swiss farmwomen are the guests of honour.
Key takeawayWine merchants, restaurateurs and importers can use it to find women-led estates from across Switzerland and meet the producers directly.
Spain: wine exports down over eight months, bulk hit
Between January and August 2026, Spanish wine exports fall 6.8% in value and 13.9% in volume, according to the OIVE interprofession's analysis of tax-agency data. Bulk wine and PDO wines are among the hardest-hit categories, while bottled varietals and bag-in-box rise without offsetting the overall losses.
Key takeawayBulk buyers should watch the drop in Spanish exports: it may affect available supply and prices.
Spain: vineyard area falls to 888,223 hectares at 31 July 2026
At 31 July 2026 Spain had 888,223 hectares of wine-grape vineyard, 1.65% or nearly 15,000 ha less than a year earlier, according to the agriculture ministry's vine register. Production potential falls 1.15%, or 10,733 ha, to 918,739 ha.
Key takeawayFor bulk buyers, a shrinking area limits Spanish production potential over time; the effect on prices remains to be confirmed.
China: wine imports up 5.6% in value, volumes down
From January to September 2026, Chinese wine imports reach US$1.167bn (+5.6%), but volume falls 5.5% to 156.9m litres. The average price rises to US$7.44 a litre. Sparkling wine gains 31.6% in value; Italy (+53.8% in volume, US$4.66/l) outpaces France (+21.3%, about US$30/l) in volume growth.
Key takeawayFor exporters and merchants, Chinese demand is recovering through value rather than volume; bulk and bag-in-box are down, while affordable sparkling wine is growing.
Bonhams Paris sale on 7 November led by a 1945 La Tâche
Bonhams holds a sale in Paris on 7 November 2026, with 30 lots consigned from the cellars of Domaine Hubert Lignier and a bottle of 1945 La Tâche estimated at €15,000 to €20,000. Bordeaux, Champagne, Super Tuscans and a few Swiss Gantenbein Pinot Noirs are also offered. An online sale without reserve runs until 12 November.
Key takeawayA price marker for fine Burgundy for merchants and collectors; Swiss Gantenbein Pinot Noir is among the lots.