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News & Events

Loire Valley 2026 — Post-Flowering Vintage Update
22 Jun 2026
Reports
Loire Valley post-flowering report 2026: vineyard growing conditions, grape quality outlook, yield predictions and expected harvest dates across the region.
Detailed post-flowering analysis for Loire Valley appellations. Covers canopy vigor, fruit set issues (coulure, millerandage), water balance, disease pressure (mildew, botrytis) and climate influences on ripening. Assesses risk factors, estimates predicted volumes and likely quality tiers, and outlines anticipated harvest windows plus monitoring and vineyard management priorities to optimise yield and fruit health. Useful for vignerons, buyers and wine trade planning.

Nina Caplan The Times article - How Sancerre is enjoying the Taylor Swift effect
21 Apr 2026
Reviews
Taylor Swift has boosted Sancerre's popularity
A bottle of Sancerre wine appeared in Taylor Swift's documentary The End of an Era.
In this article Nina Caplan describes the impact of the Taylor Swift endorsement of this much loved wine treasure "Sancerre", some of the best producers in the area.
For producers and merchants, the Taylor Swift effect presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The increased attention creates a chance to introduce new consumers to Sancerre’s quality and heritage, but availability will always remain constrained. The region cannot—and should not—respond by chasing volume; its value lies in its authenticity, craftsmanship, and the distinctive character that comes from its small vineyard area. Its reputation has been built over generations through exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, unique limestone and flint terroirs, remarkable freshness, and a distinctive sense of place that makes Sancerre truly inimitable.
Nina Caplan recommends one of our producers "Domaine Vincent Pinard" who's wine making style can only be described as "poetry in a glass". Domaine Vincent Pinard, focusses on creating the purest expression of Sauvignon Blanc, the Pinard brothers focus on revealing the unique character of each vineyard parcel, allowing the diversity of Sancerre’s soils and micro-terroirs to be expressed with clarity and precision. Their exceptional holdings include some of the appellation’s most revered sites, such as Le Chêne Marchand, Petit Chemarin, and Grand Chemarin, where meticulous vineyard management, naturally low yields, and a deep respect for the land result in wines of outstanding depth, complexity, and ageing potential.

New Charles Sydney Wines Producer - Domaine du Matin Calme
1 Feb 2026
Producer
Introducing Domaine du Matin Calme - Founded by Anne-Laura and Victor Robion, whose paths first crossed at the Jules Guyot Institute in Dijon. Trained respectively in oenology and viticulture, they bring together scientific precision and a sensitive, site-driven approach to winemaking.
Domaine du Matin Calme delivers a modern, terroir-driven interpretation of Anjou, combining organic viticulture, technical precision and a clear sense of place.
The range is built around two complementary expressions: Fresh, approachable cuvées, offering an immediate and authentic introduction to Anjou, combining clarity, balance and drinkability. Single-plot wines, which form the core of the domaine’s identity, highlighting the nuances, depth and individuality of each terroir through Chenin Blanc in Anjou Blanc and Cabernet Franc in Anjou Brissac (reds), as well as selective expressions in Crémant de Loire and Coteaux de l’Aubance.

Domaine des Rochelles Anjou-Villages Brissac “La Croix de Mission” 2019 Article by Chris Kissack (The Wine Doctor)
1 Jun 2026
Reviews
This article is both a review of the 2019 vintage of La Croix de Mission and a broader exploration of the role of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Loire Valley. Written by Chris Kissack (The Wine Doctor)

Jancis Robinson Financial Times and Jancis Robinson.com Article "Loire regains it's Gloire"
7 Feb 2026
Reviews
Jancis Robinson Tasting review and recognition of the great wines being produced by the Loire Valley wine makers. Jancis Robinson argues that the Loire Valley is enjoying a renaissance. Modern consumer preferences for fresher, lower-alcohol, food-friendly wines align perfectly with what the Loire does best, particularly its white wines. Improvements in viticulture and warmer growing conditions mean growers are now better able to express the distinct character of their sites rather than simply struggling to ripen grapes.

Charles Sydney Wines Annual Portfolio Tasting 2026
22 Jan 2026
Events
Thursday 22nd January at Glaziers Hall for our annual Loire Valley portfolio wine tasting. We invite you to register for the UK’s largest Loire Valley wine tasting, taking place in January 2026 at the stunning Glaziers Hall in London.
This exclusive trade-only event will feature around 250 wines from some of the finest producers in the region — we are lucky to have several joining us in person on the day.
Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to explore the diversity and quality of Loire Valley wines in one of London’s premier tasting venues.
Masterclass 2026
We are also delighted to announce that Jo Locke MW, will be presenting this year’s Masterclass starting at 11am entitled
“Leading Stars with Hidden Gems of the Loire”.
This tasting will feature 8 of some of the finest wines produced in the Loire Valley from source to sea. Showing vintages ranging from 2018-2023, from iconic producers Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau, Alphonse Mellot, Jean-Philippe Blot and Maison Ackerman to name a few.

Liz Sague of Ham and High Series Reviews Loire Wines 2025 Vintage
25 Apr 2026
Reviews
Loire Valley Vintage Review by Liz Sague. Liz visited us at our 2026 Portfolio tasting in January and due to this, included in her article are many of our wine producers amongst others. Liz reviews the 2025 vintages, by working her way across the Loire Valley the article explores the growing interest among wine drinkers in the Loire Valley as a source of diverse, high-quality wines that offer excellent value and a strong sense of place. It highlights how the region is increasingly appealing to consumers looking beyond the more famous French wine regions, thanks to its combination of tradition, innovation, and variety.

Jancis Robinson and Tamlyn Currin Article
6 Feb 2026
Reviews
In this tasting report, Tamlyn Currin and Jancis Robinson showcase a selection of Loire wines that highlight why the region continues to attract attention from wine enthusiasts. The article emphasizes the Loire's remarkable combination of quality, value, diversity, sustainability, and food-friendliness.

New Charles Sydney Wines Producer - Maison Ackerman
1 Jun 2025
Producer
We are delighted to introduce Maison Ackerman, one of the Loire Valley’s most historic and respected sparkling wine houses. Maison Ackerman has been producing exceptional Loire Valley sparkling wines since 1811. Based in Saumur, the House is a pioneer of méthode traditionnelle winemaking and a key ambassador for the region’s Saumur Brut and Crémant de Loire appellations.
Combining historic expertise, Loire terroir, and meticulous ageing in limestone cellars, Ackerman delivers elegant, consistent, and commercially compelling sparkling wines that offer an authentic French alternative to Champagne.
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