ARENI Global: In Conversation

Why is the world drinking less — and do they really drink less fine wine?

For the first episode of 2026, Pauline and Felicity unpack one of the most pressing shifts reshaping the wine industry: global deconsumption.

Far from being a simple generational story, they reveal how economics, demographics, social change, regulation and new health narratives are collectively transforming alcohol consumption across every age group.

Drawing on Areni Global’s upcoming research on new fine wine consumers (launching Feb. 2026), they explore how economics, demographics, social change, regulation and new health narratives are transforming alcohol consumption across every age group, and how the fine wine sector must adapt to stay relevant.

This podcast series is part of a larger Areni Global research project. Subscribe to our newsletter to get access to our articles and publications: https://bit.ly/AreniNewsletter

Does spirituality have a role in winemaking?

Where else to have this conversation than in Burgundy, the region that claims 1,000 years of a wine history that began with monks. We sat down with Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée Conti, who is not just acknowledged as one of the greatest winemakers of all time, but also one of the most spiritual.

We were joined by Ted Lemon, owner of Littorai in Sonoma, a deep thinker, who articulated his vision for winemaking.

The conversation ranged across what spirituality means in the context of fine wine today, but also how it influenced the historic growth and development of wine.

It was the most unconventional discussion that Areni Global has ever hosted, but also one of the most meaningful.

For more articles, reports and insights on the future of fine wine, visit www.areni.global and subscribe to our newsletter.

What does terroir mean today? How does it differ from the idea of sense of place? Is terroir a matter of nature or nurture? Do these questions even matter today?

And if they do, how much does an understanding of terroir influence winemakers in their everyday work?

For this fifth episode of the Areni Live Series, we take you inside one of the most unfiltered and thought-provoking conversations we had during our 2025 think tank.

Gathered around Jacques Devauges, manager of the iconic Domaine des Lambrays in Burgundy, and Samantha O’Keefe, owner and winemaker of Lismore Wines in South Africa, a small group of fine minds from all around the world explore one of the geekiest, yet most fundamental, topics in fine wine today.

Behind the famous glazed roofs of Beaune lies a story where wine, care, and community are inseparable. Founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the poor, the Hospices de Beaune has evolved into one of the world’s most unique institutions — part working hospital, part wine estate, and a living expression of humanity, charity and hospitality.

In this fourth episode of the Areni Live Series, we sat down with Guillaume Koch, Director of the Beaune Civil Hospitals, and Ludivine Griveau, Winemaker and Estate Manager, to explore how the wines of the Hospices sustain local healthcare, preserve Burgundian heritage, and reflect deep human values.

Together, they explore:

How a centuries-old hospital came to own — and still run — one of Burgundy’s most celebrated wine estates.
The delicate balance between charity, healthcare, and fine wine.
What Humanity, Charity, and Hospitality mean in practice for those who care for both people and vines.
How the annual wine auction sustains local healthcare while shaping the global perception of Burgundy.
Why understanding the Hospices de Beaune offers a deeper understanding of terroir itself.

Recorded live in the King’s Chamber of the Hospices, this conversation reveals how a centuries-old model continues to unite purpose, place, and people.

China has long been one of the most complex and fascinating markets for fine wine. Once driven by gifting and status, the market is now undergoing a dramatic reset — with consumers buying wine for themselves, new generations shaping demand, and logistics and e-commerce opening fresh possibilities.

In this episode of Areni Live Sessions, Felicity Carter speaks with Don St Pierre Jr., a pioneer of the Chinese wine trade and co-founder of ASC Fine Wines, about his surprising return to the market. Together, they explore:

Why the old gifting culture collapsed — and what’s replacing it
How consumer tastes are shifting, including the rise of white wine
The role of storytelling in connecting producers with Chinese drinkers
The impact of logistics and e-commerce on market access
What international producers need to know about pricing, brand integrity, and regulation
Why Don believes the Chinese fine wine market is poised for long-term growth

Whether you’re already exporting to China or just curious about its future, this episode offers valuable insight into the opportunities — and the challenges — shaping the next chapter of fine wine in China.

About the Series:

From impactful panels and roundtables to winery visits centred around case studies, this podcast gives listeners the opportunity to engage with the high level conversations recorded live at Areni Live 2025 Burgundy Edition that took place between July 1st and July 3rd 2025.

About Areni:

Areni Global is a research organisation dedicated to the future of fine wine. Areni Global helps wineries, distributors and retailers to understand how the world is changing, and how that creates risks to be managed and opportunities to be seized.

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